site.btaPlevneliev: Bulgaria Has Fine Relations with Kosovo, Sees It as Promising Trade, Economic Partner

Plevneliev: Bulgaria Has Fine Relations with Kosovo, Sees It as Promising Trade, Economic Partner

Pristina, April 21 (BTA special correspondent Assen Boyadjiev) -
 Speaking at a joint news conference with his Kosovo counterpart
 Atifete Jahjaga on the first day of an official visit to
Pristina, Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev said that
Bulgaria supports actively the efforts of the international
community and the authorities in Pristina for building a modern,
 democratic and multiethnic Kosovo. "Bulgaria sees in Kosovo a
promising trade and economic partner in the region," the
President also said.

Plevneliev is the first Bulgarian head of State to pay an
official visit to Kosovo.

In his remarks to the press, he hailed the conclusion of talks
on a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU.
"Bulgaria played a key role for this important historic step,"
he added.

He underscored the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade which
Bulgaria assesses as "historic", to use his words. "We wish
success and we are sure that each party will abide by the
principles for rule of law and democratic fundamentals, and the
wish for European integration." 

The Bulgarian Head of State reiterated his view that the
European project can only be complete when the countries of the
Western Balkans become part of the European family.

He further spoke of Bulgaria-Kosovo relations and described them
 as fine and based on friendship, shared respect and
cooperation.

He said that Bulgaria fully supports the scrapping of visa
requirements for Kosovo citizens and that the state institutions
 of Kosovo are showing clear results.

It transpired from Plevneliev's remarks that a bilateral
agreement on reciprocal protection of investment has reached the
 phase of final coordination. He expressed hope that it will
give a strong push to business cooperation. "Bulgaria is a
strong investor here and in other countries in the region," he
added. He went on to single out several areas where business
cooperation has strong prospects: the pharmaceutical industry,
the energy sector, agriculture and food production, tourism and
infrastructure.  

He dwelled more on the matter speaking about the big potential
of the countries in the Balkans to pool efforts in building
modern infrastructure and overcome the underdeveloped transport
and energy connections which hamper development.
   
The implementation of transport corridor projects and more
specifically pan-European corridors 10 and 8 is our shared goal,
 Plevneliev said. "The motorways between Sofia and Nis and
between Nis and Pristina are a strategic priority for Bulgaria
and we will make sure they are built."

President Plevneliev also spoke about the energy potential of
Bulgaria and said it will help Kosovo build modern energy
infrastructure facilities.

"As a member state of the EU and NATO Bulgaria will remain a
guarantor of peace and security in the region, including
Kosovo," said Plevneliev. He noted that his country has the
third biggest contribution in the EU missions for establishing
rule of law and institutional building in Kosovo, with over 56
Bulgarians working there. 

President Jahjaga said her talks with the guest focused on
expanding the cooperation in economy and investments. The Kosovo
 head of State said her country offers excellent natural and
human potential for investors from Bulgaria. Kosovo aims to
broaden the economic cooperation with the EU member states and
join the European family, Jahjaga said.

She recalled that Bulgaria was among the first states to
recognize Kosovo's independence and help strengthen the country.
 Bulgaria continues to render such assistance, she said. Kosovo
is certain that its way is the European. The country is working
hard to meet the criteria and standards to join the EU, Jahjaga
said. As a young country in Europe, it is working towards good
neighbourliness and keeping the stability and peace in the
region, she added.

Jahjaga stressed the need to render assistance to Kosovo in the
process of easing the visa regulations for all Kosovo nationals.
 She believes that very soon the Kosovo institutions will make
sure all technical criteria are met so as to successfully embark
 on the path of liberalization of the visa regime.

President Jahjaga said that Pristina believes in the support
Sofia is going to provide in its further integration processes.
She thanked Plevneliev for the work of the Bulgarian
representatives in NATO's peace-keeing force in Kosovo.