site.btaPresidents of Bulgaria, Korea Sign Comprehensive Partnership Declaration

Presidents of Bulgaria, Korea Sign Comprehensive Partnership Declaration

Seoul, May 14 (BTA special correspondent Anelia Tsvetkova) -
Bulgaria and the Republic of Korea will work to enhance
bilateral trade and boost investments. This emerged from
statements by President Rosen Plevneliev of Bulgaria and
President Park Geun-hye of the Republic of Korea after their
talks in Seoul. The two presidents signed a joint declaration of
comprehensive partnership between the two countries.

The Bulgarian head of State is on an official visit to Seoul on
the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of
bilateral relations.

An economic summit is planned for October to discuss
possibilities to enhance bilateral trade and investments through
business delegations and stepping up exchange between private
businesses, said President Park.

The two countries will work to advance cooperation in IT and
communication technologies, infrastructure, energy, transport
and logistics, the automotive industry, agriculture and food
processing, science, education, outsourcing services and
tourism.

President Plevneliev said that South Korea is a priority
strategic partner for Bulgaria in Asia. Although Bulgaria is
famous as the country of roses, yoghurt, healthy food, and wine,
its potential is much larger, he said, adding that Bulgarian
products are traditionally well placed on the Asian markets.

Plevneliev noted that Bulgaria is a regional IT and
communications leader among Southeastern European countries,
boasting the region's first innovation ecosystem, Sofia Tech
Park. He added that Bulgaria is the only European country in a
world top ten ranking of outsourcing destinations.

Plevneliev said that Bulgaria would like to welcome more South
Korean companies as many global companies already operate here.
He said that Bulgaria hails South Korea's stepped up interest in
cooperation in agriculture and food processing and in
participation by Korean companies in energy and infrastructure
projects in Bulgaria.

The two presidents noted a potential for increasing the numbers
of South Korean tourists. Plevneliev added that Bulgaria's
Tourism Ministry will be encouraged to implement campaigns
targeted at the South Korean market.

Bilateral cooperation documents were signed in the field of
defence, science and technology education and culture in the
presence of the two presidents.

President Park noted the significance of a memorandum for
cooperation in science and technology, noting Bulgaria's
excellent track record in fundamental research and South Korea's
global advances in applied science.

Also, President Plevneliev vowed that Bulgaria will actively
contribute to the strategic partnership between the EU and South
Korea. The Bulgarian President said: "Bulgaria commends highly
and supports the initiatives by the President of the Republic
of Korea aimed at the peaceful reunification and long-term
stability of the Korean peninsula." President Park thanked the
Bulgarian government for its consistent support in regard to
North Korea's nuclear disarmament.