The mutual trust between Bulgaria and Moldova guarantees the success of bilateral co-operation, the Presidents of Bulgaria and Moldova Rosen Plevneliev and Nicolae Timofti agreed today at talks in Belgrade while attending a meeting of the Heads of States Parties in the Process for South East Europe Co-operation Process (SEECP).

President Plevneliev thanked his Moldovan counterpart for the measures taken to restore the funding of Bulgarian schools in Taraklia. The President said that through the best of attitudes, Moldova has managed to turn the Bulgarian community in the country into a real bridge of friendship. “We get on well, and between the two newly elected presidents there is a high degree of confidence,” President Plevneliev said, and added that he had received an invitation from President Timfti to visit Moldova. He confirmed Bulgaria’s strong support for the European integration of Moldova and its readiness to share Bulgaria’s experiences in the negotiation process.

The two heads of state discussed opportunities for expanding economic relations between Bulgaria and Moldova. They reiterated the importance of the Danube Strategy, which creates opportunities for projects of interest to both countries. President Plevneliev said that more joint projects in South Eastern Europe should be set up, as the whole region, rather than a single country, is important for investors. Mutual satisfaction was expressed with the progress of 50 per cent growth in bilateral trade in 2011 compared with 2010. President Plevneliev noted that Bulgarian companies are interested in potential investment and joint projects in Moldova, and concrete steps in this direction should be taken.