President Radev and Russia's counterpart Putin meet in Saint Petersburg
Bulgaria's and Russia's heads of state met to talk bilateral and international relations Thursday afternoon at Saint Petersburg Konstantinovsky Palace. President Rumen Radev is in Russia to take part in the Global Economic Forum which takes place in the second largest city of the Russian Federation.
At the beginning of the meeting Rumen Radev highlighted the importance of that second meeting of the two leaders in such a short period as manifestation of a new dynamics in bilateral relations.
Rumen Radev and Vladimir Putin talked once in the Russian city of Sochi in May last year. That meeting restored political dialogue between Bulgaria and Russia after a 10-year suspension.
Rumen Radev - President of Republic of Bulgaria: "Bulgaria's being a member of the EU and NATO does not exclude development of vigorous relations with the Russian Federation even in this more complex current situation. I believe that constructive and responsible discourse and pragmatic cooperation are the clue to a peaceful and prosperous Europe."
In addition to good bilateral relations on governmental and parliamentary level, Radev outlined cooperation in the fields of culture, science, education and tourism.
Bulgarian President stressed upon strategic partnership in the energy sector and expressed hope of deepening that cooperation.
President Radev told President Putin that Russia had its place in the upcoming costruction of Belene nuclear power station and as a provider of natural gas via Bulgaria to Central Europe.
