site.btaVice President Iotova: Bulgaria Should Work Actively with Bulgarian Communities Abroad

Bern, March 26 (BTA) - Meeting with Bulgarian expatriates in Switzerland, Vice President Iliana Iotova said that the presidency is working to improve communication and cooperation between the Bulgarian state and the Bulgarian communities abroad.

The Vice President said that the Bulgarians communities abroad an enormous potential for the country. According to official figures, 8,000 Bulgarians live in Switzerland and most are highly qualified specialists.

Iotova outlined the activities of the National Council for Bulgarians Abroad.

Iotova's meeting in Bern was the first with representatives of the so-called new emigration. During her first year in office the Vice President visited nearly all Bulgarian historical diasporas.

The Bulgarian expatriates outlined the lack of representation and the establishment of public councils of Bulgarians abroad as key.

The Vice President said that an internet platform which is underway will facilitate contact between the Bulgarian communities abroad. Iotova underscored a need for a register of the Bulgarian communities abroad and noted the good cooperation between the relevant institution.

The Vice President congratulated Bulgarian Ambassador Meglena Plougchieva in Switzerland on the close contacts which the Bulgarian embassy maintains with the Bulgarian community in Switzerland.

Iotova is scheduled to confer with Swiss President Alain Berset, MPs form the Federal Assembly, and representatives of the Federal Council.