site.btaParliament Chair Tsacheva Confers with Swiss National Council President Markwalder

Parliament Chair Tsacheva Confers with Swiss National Council President Markwalder

Bern, March 16 (BTA) - Promotion of parliamentary cooperation and economic partnership topped the agenda of the Wednesday talks between National Assembly Chairperson Tsetska Tsacheva and Swiss National Council President Christa Markwalder, Bulgarian Parliament's press centre said.

A parliamentary delegation, led by National Assembly Chair Tsetska Tsacheva, is paying an official visit to Switzerland on March 16.

Another topic on the agenda of the talks was the possibility for the promotion of commodity exchange and for attracting new Swiss investments. Tsacheva noted that a boost of trade and economic relations between the two countries was witnessed in the recent years. She quoted as an example the holding of a series of economic forum in the areas of nanotechnologies, mechanical engineering and electronics. The interlocutors praised the performance of the Bulgarian-Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria, whose main objective is to promote business contacts between the two countries. The two countries have established traditions in the fields of tourism although there are untapped reserves in this sphere, Tsacheva also said.

On her part, Markwalder voiced satisfaction with the traditionally good relations with Bulgaria and noted that the two countries have a number of common policies in different areas, including in regards to financial discipline. Both countries are faced with the challenge of the migration flow to European territory, Markwalder noted. The sides were unanimous that a common European policy on this issue is needed. According to Tsacheva, the efficient control along the EU external borders is of primary importance for containing migration. Tsacheva thanked for the Swiss position regarding Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen Area. Although outside the Schengen Area, Bulgaria actually behaves like a Schengen country, she noted.

Tsacheva also conferred with Council of States President Raphael Comte. The two praised the traditionally good, friendly and open relations between Bulgaria and Switzerland at parliamentary and government level.

The Swiss experience in dual education is exceptionally important for Bulgaria, Tsacheva noted. She thanked for the Swiss financial support to the amount of 3.5 million Swiss Francs for a project for the introduction of dual education in Bulgaria.