Bulgaria and Russia have centuries-old spiritual and cultural ties and should build their partnership on a pragmatic and mutually-beneficial basis. This is what President Rosen Plevneliev said, who held talks with Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, at 2 Dondukov street. The Russian foreign minister is visiting Bulgaria on the occasion of the 135 anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Russia.
“Bulgaria’s relationships with Russia are based on the clear awareness of its belonging to the European and Euro-Atlantic community. However, Bulgaria would also like to build pragmatic relations, based on showing an open attitude, dialogue and mutual interest,” the Head of State emphasized at the meeting.
The two shared the opinion that the active contacts between Bulgaria and Russia in the spheres of culture, science and education are among the important factors contributing to the development of the bilateral relations. “My book was first published abroad in Bulgaria and to me this is an indication that the Bulgarians show an interest in Russia,” the Russian foreign minister said.
Sergey Lavrov voiced his gratitude to the Head of State for the efforts our country makes to preserve Russia’s military monuments in Bulgaria. “History is a bridge to the future and it should be presented they way it is. History should not be manipulated,” President Plevneliev emphasized.
Bulgaria will continue to support the projects which improve the energy security and diversification. However, South Stream should be in line with the European legislation, the Head of State further said. Rosen Plevneliev emphasized his support for boosting the energy efficiency in the country, which will considerably reduce the electricity bills of the Bulgarian people and business circles.
Sergey Lavrov informed about the Russian Federation’s position on the crisis in Ukraine, about the agreement reached between the foreign ministers of Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France on cease-fire in the southeast part of the country. “Every country has the sovereign right to alone determine its future. We should not restore the past policies which undermine trust, divide the world into “great powers” and “periphery” and lead to the establishment of new dividing lines,” President Plevneliev emphasized.