site.btaForeign Minister Mitov Meets with German Ambassador Lingemann

Sofia, August 12 (BTA) - At his first meeting with the newly appointed German Ambassador Detlef Lingemann on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov said that Germany is an important economic and strategic partner to Bulgaria, the Foreign Ministry said. "The two countries have traditionally good relations and we are ready to work together to further improve and expand them," said Mitov.

Ambassador Lingemann said that many Bulgarian citizens live and work in Germany and make a valuable contribution to its economy. He also noted that his country is Bulgaria's first trading partner, stressing that there still is untapped investment potential.

Mitov and Ambassador Lingemann talked about the specific tasks and priorities of Bulgaria's caretaker government. Kristalina Georgieva's nomination for a second term as European Commissioner and for High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy was also discussed. Mitov said: "She has done an excellent job in her area as EU Commissioner and deserves high marks for this. Commissioner Georgieva is well known around the world and has excellent knowledge of what is happening outside Europe."

Another topic for discussion was the organization of the October 5 parliamentary elections abroad as a major task of the Foreign Ministry. Mitov noted the government's commitment to provide the necessary conditions for Bulgarians abroad, including in Germany, to exercise their right to vote.

Mitov and Ambassador Lingemann exchanged views on topical issues on Europe's agenda, including the situation in Ukraine and Russia's sanctions. As the two discussed energy security, Mitov emphasized the need of an EU common energy strategy and a targeted effort to ensure diversification of the sources of natural gas supplies.

The situation in the Middle East with an emphasis on developments in Iraq and a possible refugee flow to Bulgaria as a result of the escalation of the conflict were also discussed at the meeting. Mitov said that as an external EU border, Bulgaria came under the strongest pressure and would rely on solidarity and support from the other Member States in the effort to cope with this challenge. Bulgaria's chief diplomat also said that Sofia expects a positive decision about its joining of the Schengen area.