President Rosen Plevneliev met today at 2 Dondoukov Boulevard with the Minister of European Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, David Lidington.

At the meeting, the President briefed Mr Lidington on the objectives set by the new presidential institution in Bulgaria. Both President Plevneliev and Mr Lidington believe that the excellent political dialogue between Bulgaria and the UK firmly opens the way towards further comprehensive development and deepening of bilateral relations.

The President emphasised to Mr Lidingon that, despite the global economic crisis, Bulgaria would continue to strive for the implementation of its priorities to improve the quality of life in Bulgaria.

The President said that this means both improving the business climate and the development of administrative capacity, as well as key areas such as education and health. They agreed that the requirements imposed by the European Fiscal Stability Pact do not cover the question of economic priorities of national governments and should ensure the possibilities for sustained economic growth and employment. Mr Lidington conveyed to the Bulgarian President the readiness of financial institutions and companies from the UK to participate in the financing and implementation of projects to modernize the water sector, waste treatment and infrastructure development in Bulgaria.

The President said that Bulgaria was focusing on the parameters of Cohesion Policy for the European Commission’s next financial framework, 2014-2020. This policy facilitates economic growth of regions, and in Bulgaria there are some of the most underdeveloped areas in the European Union. Minister Lidington said that Cohesion Policy should be directed to the less developed countries, and expressed the UK’s support for the Bulgarian position on this issue.

President Plevneliev and Minister Lidinton praised the bilateral co-operation in defence and security. The President confirmed Bulgaria's readiness to develop a clear legal framework for the security services – the National Protection Service, National Intelligence Service and Military Intelligence – as early as 2012. Minister Lidington told the President about British experience in this area and confirmed the UK’s readiness to provide expert assistance to Bulgaria if necessary.

President Plevneliev confirmed the Presidency’s commitment to directly monitor judicial reform in Bulgaria and emphasised that since 2009 significant progress had been made in establishing transparency in the judiciary. “We do not hide, that when we make progress this should be recognised by our partners. We are open to constructive criticism and suggestions and are willing to work to find practical solutions,” the President said.