site.btaPM Borissov Confers with Russian Trade and Industry Minister Manturov

September 18 (BTA) - Prime Minister Boyko Borissov
conferred here on Wednesday with Russia's Minister of Trade and
Industry Denis Manturov. Speaking to journalists after the
signing of an agreement between Bulgartransgaz and the Arkad
consortium about expanding the natural gas transmission network
from the Bulgarian-Turkish border to the Bulgarian-Serbian
border, Borissov described Bulgarian-Russian business relations
as exceptionally pragmatic, straightforward and fair.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister said he is optimistic about the
Belene N-plant project, adding that the creation of a consortium
 is being actively worked on. The Bulgarian side will try to
conduct negotiations with all potential strategic investors in
the project as soon as possible. According to Borissov, there is
 a huge chance for this to become a very good project if all its
 parameters and implementation are within the agreed upon rules.
 
Minister Manturov said that the Russian side has bid to take
part in the Belene N-plant's construction, adding that his
country is ready to participate in the project as part of an
international consortium. "I believe this to be an optimal
option," the Russian Minister said. He also noted that Russia is
 interested in broadening cooperation with Bulgaria in the
pharmaceutical industry.

Manturov recalled that this year marks the 140th anniversary of
the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two
countries, expressing his gratitude for the constructive
cooperation and interaction with Bulgaria. RY/MY