“I express my warm gratitude to the Czech Republic for its European attitude towards the Bulgarian community and the assistance that it provides in the implementation of cultural and educational projects,” Vice President Margarita Popova said today at a meeting with Milan Št?ch, chairman of the Senate of the Czech Republic.

They reviewed the political dialogue between the two countries, describing it as an active and excellent. “Thank you for the Czech Republic’s principled and consistent support that Bulgaria has on its path to full Schengen membership,” Vice President Popova said.

Mr Št?ch emphasized the importance of investments that Czech companies are making in Bulgaria in the energy sector, and said that the Czech Republic supports and develops a policy of energy independence.

"The Bulgarian Government has done much since 2009 to improve the utilization of European funds and in the development of the Cohesion Policy. Bulgaria currently has financial stability and sustainability,” the Vice President said.

At the meeting, Margarita Popova and Milan Št?ch expressed their support for the European and Euro-Atlantic prospects of Western Balkan countries.

Later, Margarita Popova participated in celebrations of completion of the school year by students at the Dr Petar Beron Bulgarian school in Prague. “I am proud when I see how you have brought up these young Bulgarians, in the inspired way that they perform the anthem ‘Go forth people reborn’,” Vice President Popova said. She underlined the role of teachers who through their work become true followers of the cause of Saints Cyril and Methodius.

After the celebration, Margarita Popova met teaching staff at the Bulgarian school. “Wherever I go abroad, I always visit the Bulgarian school and always meet with Bulgarian community. Your work deserves real respect, because I believe that children who learn here will someday return to Bulgaria as true Bulgarians,” she said.