site.btaForeign Minister Mitov: United States is Key Ally, Strategic Partner of Bulgaria

Foreign Minister Mitov: United States is Key Ally,  Strategic Partner of Bulgaria

Sofia, April 22 (BTA) - The United States is a key ally and
strategic partner of Bulgaria, Foreign Minister Danuel Mitov
said, quoted by his Ministry, during a meeting with Hoyt Yee,
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian
Affairs. Yee started a visit to Bulgaria on April 21. Mitov said
 during the meeting that the strategic dialogue established
between Bulgaria and the United States provides an excellent
basis for deepening the bilateral relations and the practical
cooperation.

The two diplomats discussed the work of the Bulgarian-U.S.
working groups for deepening the strategic partnership agreed
during the visit to Bulgaria of US Secretary of State John Kerry
 in January 2015 in the sphere of security and defence, energy
security, economic cooperation, etc.

The talks between Mitov and Yee focused on the need to increase
the energy security of Bulgaria and the region. Mitov said that
energy diversification is a key element in this effort and that
diversifying the sources and routes of natural gas is a priority
 of the Bulgarian government. The Bulgarian Foreign Minister
said that this country recognizes the importance of the southern
 gas corridor and all related projects and noted the importance
Bulgaria attaches to the construction of the gas connector with
Greece.

Yee noted that attaining economic growth is particularly
important for Bulgaria's security and stability. In his words,
the quickest way for this is attracting foreign investment. The
U.S. official said that his country is ready to work for
improving the investment climate and the materialization of
untapped opportunities.

Mitov and Yee also discussed the situation in Ukraine. The two
concurred that a change of the sanctions policy depends on
implementation of the Minsk agreements. The two diplomats said
that the Euro-Atlantic community must show unity in the
protection of its common values and principles.