site.btaUS Deputy Assistant Secretary for European, Eurasian Affairs Yee Confirms Strategic Partnership between US, Bulgaria

US Deputy Assistant Secretary for European, Eurasian Affairs Yee Confirms Strategic Partnership between US, Bulgaria

Sofia, April 21 (BTA) - Hoyt Yee, the US Deputy Assistant
Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, confirmed the
strategic partnership between his country and Bulgaria, and said
 that Bulgaria is a friend and ally both in good and difficult
times, at international and regional level. The United States
remains shoulder to shoulder in support of Bulgaria, he said
after his talks with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov here Tuesday.
 

Hoyt Yee noted that the topics of the talks had been raised
during the visit to Bulgaria of US Secretary of State John Kerry
 and were in the sphere of energy security, rule of law and
defence.

The guest praised Bulgaria for its contribution to the world
piece as an ally and partner. The US welcomes the measures which
 Bulgaria undertakes in fighting against terrorism and dealing
with the terrorist risks at the global level, including the
participation in the coalition against ISIL, Hoyt Yee said.

In his words, strengthening the energy security of this country
and the region, which is very much dependent on Russian gas, is
a shared goal. The guest stressed that the key to energy
security is diversification and expressed hope that the gas
interconnector with Greece will bring about real
diversification.

In respect of rule of law, Hoyt Yee said that Bulgaria has made
progress in fighting corruption and organized crime. He said
that rule of law is not an abstract notion but a key element
that will allow Bulgaria to achieve economic success, encourage
enterprise and innovations and reverse the brain drain process.

He said that corruption must be punished in the high corridors
of power and nobody should be above the law.

He also spoke of the importance of reforming the judiciary to
ensure its independence and transparency, and hailed the resolve
 of Bulgaria to implement constitutional changes to make the
judiciary more efficient, accountable and transparent.