President Rosen Plevneliev today met at 2 Dondoukov Boulevard with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is visiting Bulgaria.
At their talks, President Plevneliev and Secretary of State Clinton reviewed bilateral relations and co-operation between Bulgaria and the US. The visit was evidence of the confirmation of the strategic nature of this partnership. Secretary Clinton noted the progress that Bulgaria had made between her previous and current visits.
Further, the two sides underlined the excellent level of co-operation in defence and security. The joint military facilities in Bulgaria were rated highly and prospects for their effective use in the context of the new US defence strategy were considered.
At the meeting, Bulgaria’s commitment to the reconstruction of Afghanistan was confirmed, and the Secretary of State praised Bulgaria’s contribution to this process.
The President noted the excellent partnership in law enforcement and the rule of law, which was confirmed as an essential pillar of bilateral relations. President Plevneliev expressed gratitude for US support in this area. The Secretary emphasised the need to reform the judiciary and to improve its efficiency. The President assured Secretary Clinton that in 2012 and 2013, judicial reform will be the focus of the presidential institution, which will directly monitor progress in this area.
The President briefed Secretary Clinton on the process of introducing e-government in Bulgaria, as an important step towards improving the business environment and curbing corruption.
It was agreed that the bilateral economic relationship has significant unrealized potential, and that Bulgaria offers some of the best conditions for foreign investors. President Plevneliev said that Bulgaria would continue to strive to encourage US entrepreneurs to invest in the Bulgarian economy.
Energy was named as a particularly promising area of co-operation. President Plevneliev outlined three main priorities to be followed in this area - energy efficiency, energy independence and energy market liberalization. He reiterated the importance of the construction of gas interconnection links with neighbouring countries.
The Bulgarian President expressed his hope that the question of abolishing visa restrictions for Bulgarian citizens travelling to the US would soon be resolved, as well that of a bilateral agreement on social security. Secretary Clinton indicated that the efforts of the Obama administration, in co-operation with the US Congress, towards the finding of a positive resolution would continue.
President Plevneliev said that it was a priority for him for the image and reputation of Bulgaria to improve, and gave as an example of progress in the field of EU funds. The two sides also discussed the integration of Roma in Bulgaria and in other member states of the European Union.
Hillary Clinton expressed the willingness of the US to provide Bulgaria with the necessary technical support and assistance in accordance with Bulgaria’s priorities.