site.btaPM Borissov, Russian President Putin Confer By Phone

PM Borissov, Russian President Putin Confer By Phone

Sofia, May 12 (BTA) - In a phone conversation Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin wished Prime Minister Boyko Borissov success with his third term.

Putin and Borissov underscored the good development of economic relations, highlighting the 20 per cent increase of Russian tourists to Bulgaria and an 18 per cent increase in commercial exchange between the two countries, which falls below the potential.

The two discussed the implementation of large energy projects in Bulgaria. Both countries noted their mutual interest in the construction of a European gas hub on Bulgarian territory. On the agenda was the suspended project for a second nuclear plant in Bulgaria's Belene.

Borissov assured President Putin that the Bulgarian government was looking for a strategic investor for the project.

The two highlighted events which will mark the 25th anniversary of the Bulgarian-Russian treaty on friendship and cooperation signed on August 4 and the 140th anniversary of Bulgaria's Liberation from Ottoman rule in 2018.