site.btaHungarian National Assembly Deputy Speaker Matrai Visits Sofia

Sofia, October 19 (BTA) - The cooperation between the Parliaments of Bulgaria and Hungary, the partnership within the EU and NATO, and the upcoming Bulgarian EU Presidency were high on the agenda of a meeting Thursday between National Assembly Chairman Dimiter Glavchev and Hungarian National Assembly Deputy Speaker Marta Matrai, who is leading a Hungarian parliamentary delegation on an official visit to Sofia, the National Assembly said in a press release.

Glavchev said that the visit is a continuation of the traditionally good and friendly relations between the two countries, noting that it takes place on the Bulgarian-Hungarian Friendship Day, October 19, exactly. He praised the relations between Bulgaria and Hungary on all levels, noting that they are underpinned by the historical and cultural ties and mutual sympathy between the two peoples. He said that the two countries have similar positions on many topics from the EU agenda and face common challenges. Glavchev said that the Hungarian Presidency of the Visegrad Group and the Bulgarian EU Presidency provide additional opportunities on current issues of the region and Europe.

Glavchev also said Bulgaria appreciates highly Hungary's support for its entry in the Schengen area, and thanked Budapest for its attitude towards the Bulgarian national minority and the institutional framework on minorities.

Matrai stated that the two countries have excellent relations of a very standard. Keeping Europe united is in the shared interest, and to this end the countries should work together to achieve their common objectives.

Deputy Prime Minister Valeri Simeonov, Hungary's State Secretary for Human Capacities Miklos Soltesz and Deputy State Secretary for Agricultural Development and Hungaricums Istvan Lorand Szakali visited the Rila Monastery and attended a liturgy for its feast day.