Visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria to Pakistan (19-21 January 2011)

(2011-01-17)

The Bulgarian Foreign Minister, Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, will undertake his first-ever visit to Pakistan from 19-21 January 2011. The Bulgarian Foreign Minister will hold talks with Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi to review status of bilateral relations as well as exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The visiting Bulgarian Foreign Minister will also call on the Prime Minister.

Pakistan re-opened its resident Mission in Sofia in June 2009. Pakistan and Bulgaria have traditionally enjoyed friendly and cooperative relations. There are opportunities of cooperation in economic, trade, oil, gas and mineral exploration. During the visit, the two sides are expected to institutionalize cooperation in economic field. An Agreement on Economic Cooperation is expected to be finalized during the visit.

Pakistan and Bulgaria share commonality of views on regional and international issues. Both countries are partners in counterterrorism. Bulgaria is a member of NATO and the EU and the visit would provide an opportunity to share Pakistan’s perspective on its relations with both. Bulgaria is supportive of Pakistan’s greater access to EU markets.

The visit will give substantial impetus to friendly relations between the two countries.

Islamabad
17 January 2011

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