Signing an agreement on good-neighborly relations and cooperation remains a priority for Bulgaria and is of crucial importance for gaining Bulgaria’s support for the beginning of the negotiations of the Republic of Macedonia on EU membership. President Rosen Plevneliev, who held a meeting with Federal President Heinz Fischer in Vienna, was adamant on this issue.

Presidents Plevneliev and Fischer voiced Bulgaria’s and Austria’s consistent support for the European integration of the countries from the West Balkans in their attempt to meet the established criteria and observe the principle of assessment according to the country’s own merits.  Rosen Plevneliev pointed out that he welcomes the progress made by Serbia and Kosovo on their way to European integration. The President said that Bulgaria supports the recommendation made by the EC to grant Albania the status of a candidate state.

Rosen Plevneliev and Heinz Fischer highlighted the intensive political dialogue between Bulgaria and Austria and their common willingness to encourage the activity of the investors from the two countries. The Austrian companies are among the leading investors in Bulgaria and the region, the Head of State recalled.

The two presidents also exchanged opinions on the situation in Ukraine after the decision made by the Ukrainian government to postpone signing an Agreement for associating with the EU. Rosen Plevneliev defined the decision as “a reason for disappointment.” At the same time the Head of State expressed his contentment with the EU’s voiced readiness to sign the agreement.

The President of Austria will make an official visit to our country during the second half of 2014 at the invitation of the Bulgaria Head of State. Next year Bulgaria and Austria will commemorate 135 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations.