site.btaSlovenian President Pahor Pays Official Visit to Bulgaria

Sofia, March 26 (BTA) - Emerging from talks with Slovenian President Borut Pahor here on Monday, Bulgarian head of State Rumen Radev said that Bulgaria and Slovenia stand on both sides of the fragile region of the Western Balkans. It is important to have countries contributing to the stability and security of the region and give an example in the positive development of bilateral relations, he noted.

The Slovenian President is paying an official visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of his counterpart.

In Radev's words, he and his guest discussed the prospects of the European project, the problems involving the migrant crisis, Bulgaria's membership in Schengen and the Euro zone for all of which this country has Slovenia's support. Only support is not enough: the path, the successful formula and the mechanism to achieve full-fledged and effective membership are important for Bulgaria, he added.

Pahor arrived in Sofia Sunday evening with the first flight of the new direct connection from Ljubljana. Radev thanked his counterpart for personally opening the new direct flight which, in his words, will not only promote tourism but also boost economic cooperation and direct relations between the two peoples. At a time when all kinds of connections are important for the Balkan Peninsula and the Western Balkans, Bulgaria and Slovenia are an exceptionally good example in this respect, the Bulgarian head of State said.

The sides noted the good political dialogue which Radev said is a condition for development of relations in economy, education, culture, tourism and investments.

Radev also remarked that the experience of Slovenia in achieving one of the highest rates of economic growth in the EU, in ensuring a high standard and quality of life for Slovenians, as well as the model of attracting foreign investments, are important to Bulgaria.

The Bulgarian President also said that what his colleague had shared about reconciling with the past is important. Slovenia is proving that there can be progress and successful thinking of the present and the future when reconciled with the past, Radev added. Last year the two countries marked 25 years of establishing diplomatic relations. Bulgaria and Slovenia are not only partners within NATO and the EU: they also share a similar historical experience and traditions, the Bulgarian head of State said further.

In turn, Pahor commended the Bulgarian EU Presidency in difficult times for the community. He outlined the opportunities for promotion of bilateral economic relations to which end both presidents will work. The sides discussed the future of Europe and see the future for the two countries and nations in a more connected Europe, he noted. Speaking of reconciliation with the past, Pahor said it should not be forgotten but that history has to be lived with to generate a good future for the children.