President Georgi Parvanov was on a two day visit to Brussels (11th – 12th of February, 2004)
12-02-2004 12:00 |
Brussels
On the first day of his visit to Brussels, President Parvanov met with NATO Secretary General de Hoop Scheffer.
Among the main issues discussed were the progress of defence reform in Bulgaria, and key issues on the Alliance’s agenda, including NATO’s operations in Afghanistan and the Balkans, and Bulgaria’s contribution to these operations, said de Hoop Scheffer at a joint briefing after talks with the Bulgarian Head of State.
Georgi Parvanov substantiated his belief of the need for NATO military presence in Karbala, where Bulgarian troops are currently serving. He thanked for the successful completion of the ratification process, transforming Bulgarian NATO membership into reality.
President Parvanov and the Secretary General also exchanged views on issues that will be discussed at the upcoming Summit meeting of NATO Head of State and Government in Istanbul.
Later, President Parvanov conferred with Javier Solana, High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy.
The second day of Parvanov’s Belgian visit began with his meeting with Nicholas Burns, US Permanent Representative to NATO.
President Georgi Parvanov assessed the Financial Package as acceptable and as a confirmation for Bulgaria’s EU accession in 2007 after his meeting with Burns.
Nicholas Burns stated that at the NATO Summit in Turkey member countries, including Bulgaria, are expected to take a common stand about the extended role of NATO in Iraq.
In connection to EU negotiations, Georgi Parvanov affirmed that it is important for Bulgaria to close the Financial Chapters by the end of the Irish Chairmanship.
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