site.btaPrime Ministers of Bulgaria, China Discuss Ways to Advance Cooperation

Prime Ministers of Bulgaria, China
Discuss Ways
to Advance Cooperation


Beijing, November 26 (BTA special correspondent Genka Ivanova) - "China is Bulgaria's principal partner in Asia and we believe that there is a wide range of possibilities to broaden and deepen bilateral cooperation," said Prime Minister Boyko Borissov during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang in Beijing on Thursday.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister said that China ranks among Bulgaria's top export partners both in Asia and globally. "Our priorities include increasing Chinese investments in Bulgaria, boosting Bulgarian exports to China and tourist exchange," Borissov said. He urged Chinese authorities to speed export procedures for Bulgarian agricultural and food products to China. The Prime Minister suggested seeking mutually beneficial models for the successful implementation of key infrastructure projects. Bulgaria invited Chinese companies with an eye on EU markets to set up representations, operational facilities and centres in Bulgaria.

Borissov gave high marks to the organization and the results of the forth meeting of government leaders of Central and Eastern European countries and China in Suzhou . He said: "I would like to congratulate you on your visionary attitude towards countries from our part of Europe and the Balkans. For decades the Balkan peninsula had been a breeding ground for tension and conflict and for the most part it is lagging far behind the rest of Europe. Through the 16+1 initiative and your personal attitude many of these inequalities may be eliminated and countries will be given equal opportunities."

Borissov highlighted the strategic partnership between the EU and China. The Prime Minister hailed China's decision to become the first country outside the EU to contribute to the Juncker plan and expressed a desire to discuss possible joint projects under the plan. Borissov supported the initiative launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping for the construction of a new Silk Road, urging for synergy with the 16+1 initiative and the EU-China Connectivity Platform.

Borissov underscored Bulgaria's interest in expanding bilateral cooperation in culture, education, science and technology. The Prime Minister said that in view of Bulgaria's EU Presidency in 2018, Bulgaria is preparing a wide range of cultural events in some EU countries and a number of world capital including Beijing.

Borissov extended an invitation to his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang to visit Bulgaria. PK/PP
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