site.btaPM Borissov Confers With US Congressmen

Sofia, July 31 (BTA) - Prime Minister Boyko Borissov met Monday with US congressmen Joe Wilson, Madeleine Z. Bordalo, Paul Cook, John Garamendi and Jackie Walorski, the government information service said Monday. They are in Sofia as part of a Eastern Europe tour.

The subjects of discussion included the partnership in defence within NATO framework, as well as the benefits of joint exercisese.

The congressmen underscored the significance of stability and security in the region, and cooperation in these areas.

Energy security was also on the agenda, with a focus on the development of the Balkan gas distribution hub and prospecting in the Black Sea.

The two sides also discussed Bulgaria's macroeconomic indicators. Borissov noted that the country has a 3.9 per cent economic growth in Q1 2017. Eurostat figures show unemployment in this country to be below 6 per cent.

The Prime Minister also said it is a good sign that an increasing number of young qualified Bulgarians are returning to their home country to work.

Culture was also discussed in connection with the European Capital of Culture 2019 programme in Bulgaria.