site.btaPrime Minister Borissov: "Italy Is Important EU Partner, NATO Ally to Bulgaria"

January 30 (BTA) - Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko
Borissov Thursday conferred with his Italian counterpart,
Giuseppe Conte, who is on an official visit to Bulgaria at the
invitation of Borissov, the Government Information Service said.
"Italy is an important partner to Bulgaria in the EU and an ally
 in NATO. We have excellent bilateral relations, for the
advancement of which we continue an active political dialogue at
 all levels, as well as cooperation on issues of common
interest," noted the Bulgarian Prime Minister.

During the meeting, Borissov emphasized the excellent trade and
economic cooperation between the two countries and expressed the
 desire to increase Italian investments in Bulgaria and to
expand the presence of Bulgarian products on the Italian market.
 Two-way trade grew by 10.2 per cent in 2018 compared to 2017,
amounting to 4.86 billion euro.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister noted the desire to intensify the
bilateral partnership in the energy sector, given Italy's role
in implementing the strategic Southern Gas Corridor project and
improving energy security in the region. Italy's role is also
important in building Balkan Stream up to the border with
Serbia, a contract for which was signed last September between
Bulgartransgaz and the Arcad Consortium (Saudi Arabia and
Italy). The expansion of Bulgaria's gas transmission network,
along with other important projects, aims to contribute to
strengthening Bulgaria's energy security and diversifying its
energy routes.

The talks between Prime Ministers Borissov and Conte also
focused on the exchange of good practices and expert opinions in
 the field of road infrastructure and construction, taking into
account Italy's experience and the comparative advantages of the
 two countries.

Borissov noted there are also opportunities for joint projects
and the promotion of tourism, pointing to Bulgaria's natural
assets for sea, mountain, cultural, spa and eco-tourism. He also
 expressed his desire to cooperate with Italy in the field of
cultural heritage. He stressed how rich in artifacts Bulgaria
is, as it ranks third in Europe in this regard, just after Italy
 and Greece. RY/DT