An Italian Delegation, led by the President of the Senate of the Republic of Italy Marcello Pera, arrived today on a two-day official visit to Bulgaria.

Italian Senate President Pera met with the President of the National Assembly Prof. Ognian Gerdjikov and the Chairmen of the Foreign Policy, Defence and Security Committee and the European Integration Committee as well.

The construction of the Transport Corridor VIII is of mutual interest, not just for Bulgaria and Italy, but for all countries in this region, Mr. Pera stated. He assured Prof. Gerdjikov that the construction of the Transport Corridor VIII is a priority for the Italian side.

According to Prof. Gerdjikov, relations between Bulgaria and Italy are excellent not just in the field of politics but in economy, education and culture as well.
He thanked for the Italian support for Bulgaria’s foreign policy priorities - EU and NATO membership.

Gerdjikov reminded that Italy had ratified the protocol for Bulgaria’s accession to NATO and during the Italian Presidency of EU Bulgaria has the ambitious goal to conclude the process of negotiations in 2004 and to become a EU member in 2007.