site.btaBulgarian, German Foreign MinistersTalk in Sofia

Bulgarian, German Foreign Ministers
Talk in
Sofia


Sofia, March 10 (BTA) - After meeting with German Foreign
Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier who is on an official visit
here, Bulgaria's chief diplomat Daniel Mitov said this visit
reaffirmed that the Bulgarian government attaches a priority
strategic importance to its relations with Germany.

Steinmeier noted that cooperation between the two countries is
necessary and they need each other. He said many German
companies operate in Bulgaria, 50,000 Bulgarians live and work
in Germany, and some 5,000 Bulgarian students attend German
universities. He said his country is ready to help Bulgaria with
the necessary reforms. The two also discussed ways to improve
the investment climate in Bulgaria.

The two foreign ministers discussed the bilateral energy
dialogue and affirmed their readiness to promote investments in
Bulgaria. Mitov said: "Besides support for judicial reform in
Bulgaria and cooperation in strengthening the rule of law and
justice, we expect Germany to provide support for improving
performance in using EU funds." Germany will also help Bulgaria
prepare for assuming the EU Presidency in 2018.

Mitov said Bulgaria is at a geographical crossroads but it has
no doubts about its political position and foreign policy
profile whatsoever. Bulgaria is an EU and NATO member. "We
formulate our positions together and as a country we stand as a
reliable partner in the EU and NATO," he said. "True, we are at
a geographical crossroads between two very serious conflicts -
one in Ukraine, the other in the Middle East, and the threat of
the Islamic State. That is why we are seeking very active
dialogue with all our partners."

Regarding the Minsk process in Ukraine, Steinmeier expressed a
hope that the agreements reached would stop the violence. "If we
succeed, we will really be one step forward but we still will
not be at the end of this process. The steps ahead are very
difficult and perhaps then Ukraine will most need our assistance
because it will face serious economic hardships," the German
Foreign Minister said.

Mitov thanked German for its role in the talks which led to the
Minsk agreement. He voiced support for increasing the capacity
and strength of the OSCE mission in Ukraine.

Later on Steinmeier will meet with President Rosen Plevneliev
and Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. PK/DD




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