Pasi says Bulgaria supports Turkey’s EU process

Speaking at a press conference after his meeting with Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, Pasi stated, "We support your EU process as you supported us in our bid to join NATO."

Praising the level of bilateral relations, Gul said the cooperation between the two countries covered political, commercial and cultural areas as well as cooperation in fighting terror.

The two countries expressed commitment to speed up the project envisaging Turkey’s purchase of electricity from Bulgaria in return of Turkish infrastructure investments in the country.

"This project was on hold last year, but the technical delegations have engaged in reciprocal efforts to proceed on the project. We hope the project will be realized soon," said Gul.

The Bulgarian minister also noted that with the significant improvement of bilateral economic ties border passage has increased, adding, "It has become a necessity to open a new border gate between the two countries in the coming term."

Responding to a question concerning the Bulgarian attitude on Cyprus, Pasi said, "A historic opportunity has been lost. Bulgaria determined its stance on the issue according to the EU. Bulgaria supports the abolition of the Turkish Cypriots isolation if the EU endorses such a decision."

Delegations from both countries signed three cooperation agreements after the press conference. The first of the agreements envisages cooperation on search and rescue activities in the Black Sea, while another agreement includes cooperation in science, culture and education between 2004 and 2006.

The third agreement foresees amendments on the visa agreement that was signed between the two countries in 1993.

According to the amendments, the citizens of both countries who own service passports will be exempt from visas for a 30 day period.