site.btaForeign Minister Gabriel in Paris: France and Bulgaria Are Partners and Strategic Allies

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel met in Paris with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry said Friday. Among the topics discussed were cooperation in innovation, new technologies, education and energy. Emphasis was also placed on support for Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the EU's enlargement policy. 

"Bulgaria and France have excellent bilateral relations. France is a partner and strategic ally with whom we share common priorities on the European agenda," Gabriel said. 

She thanked France for its support for her country's accession to the Schengen area and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

In 2024 Bulgaria and France will mark the 145th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and this year is the 30th anniversary of Bulgaria's accession to the International Organization of La Francophonie.