The Chairman of the National Assembly Georgi Pirinski received on August 23, 2007 the Ambassador of Japan to Bulgaria H.E.Koichiro Fukui, in connection with his departure from the country at the termination of his duties.

During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their desire to assist a new stage in the bilateral cooperation based on the traditional friendship and partnership between the two countries. Georgi Pirinski congratulated Ambassador Fukui on the conferral of the Stara Planina Order, first class and subscribed to the high appreciation of the significant contribution of the Japanese diplomat to the development and the strengthening of the bilateral ties.

The Chairman of the Bulgarian Parliament and the Japanese Ambassador exchanged views on the state and development of the relations between Bulgaria and Japan. It was noted with satisfaction that the two countries have an intensive political dialogue and demonstrate a desire for still more active economic relations and more vigorous exchanges in the field of culture.

They pointed out that parliamentary contacts have a key role in the partnership between the two countries and declared their will to further and deepen them in the future.

Georgi Pirinski emphasized the importance of Japan’s support to the reforms in Bulgaria over the past years. He reconfirmed Bulgaria’s interest in a continued investment, trade and economic cooperation following Bulgaria’s membership in the EU. The Chairman of the Bulgarian Parliament expressed special thanks for the Japanese grant for the construction of a Thracian Art Museum in the eastern Rhodope Mountains and Ambassador Fukui’s personal contribution to it.

The Chairman of the National Assembly wished Ambassador Fukui every success in his future diplomatic mission. He extended, through the Japanese Ambassador, congratulations to Mr. Satsuki Eda, President of the House of Councillors of The National Diet of Japan, on the occasion of his election to the post.

In a token of appreciation, Ambassador Koichiro Fukui was presented with the plaque of honour of the National Assembly of Bulgaria.