September 13, 2010


The conclusion that enhanced trade and economic cooperation, regional partnership and direct links between cities and regions are among the priorities in the relations between Bulgaria and Ukraine was reached by the National Assembly Chair Tsetska Tsacheva and the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Volodymyr Lytvyn during the talks held by the two leaders on September 13, 2010. A Bulgarian parliamentary delegation led by the National Assembly Chair Tsetska Tsacheva arrived Monday on a two-day official visit to Ukraine.

Volodymyr Lytvyn underscored the importance of the economic relations between the two countries. In his words the present visit of the official Bulgarian delegation, terminates the pause in the parliamentary cooperation between Bulgaria and Ukraine. He voiced his hope that the cooperation between the two countries will be put on a completely new level and become more systematic and efficient. “I am satisfied that our visions for the bilateral and regional policies and for the cooperation within the European Union coincide”, said the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada. Bulgaria's experience in transposing EU legislation could be of help to Ukraine, said Tsetska Tsacheva. She added that the National Assembly could assist the relations of the Ukraine’s Rada with the European Parliament.

The President of the Bulgarian Parliament commended the policy of the Ukrainian authorities for the preservation of the linguistic and cultural identity of ethnic Bulgarians living in Ukraine. She pointed out that the Bulgarian community in Ukraine was acting as a bridge in the relations between the two peoples and contributes to strengthening the bilateral ties in various fields.

The two leaders have agreed to intensify the contacts between parliamentary committees, especially of those in charge of economics, energy, tourism and culture.

The visa regime between Bulgaria and Ukraine was also discussed. While touring the Supreme Rada Chamber the two Speakers exchanged thoughts regarding their experiences as heads of legislatures.

The Bulgarian delegation visited the Kiev Pechersk Lavra aka the Kiev Monastery of the Caves, after Tsetska Tsacheva laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Kiev's Park of Eternal Glory.

Later in the day Tsacheva also conferred with Ukrainian Prime
Minister Mykola Azarov. The President of the National Assembly noted that there was untapped potential in the economic partnership and that more efforts should be made to improve the mutual trade turnover, as exports from Bulgaria to Ukraine are a lot lagging behind.

The National Assembly Chair noticed that Bulgaria is seriously preparing for the upcoming Session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific-Technical cooperation between Bulgaria and Ukraine, which is to be held early October 2010 in Kiev. At the session a comprehensive overview of the bilateral relations will be made and prospects for future partnership will be outlined.The cooperation in the field of energy was also among the topics of the talks.

The Bulgarian lawmakers met with members of the group for friendship with Bulgaria in the Ukraine’s Rada.

Parliament Speaker Tsetska Tsacheva opened the Third Festival of Contemporary Bulgarian Cinema in Kiev. Bulgarian MPs were special guests at the festival, which shows some of the best Bulgarian films, winners of prestigious international film festivals’ awards.The famous Bulgarian composer and singer Mihail Belchev welcomed the Festival’s participants and guests.

On September 14, 2010 National Assembly Chair Tsetska Tsacheva and the members of the Bulgarian parliament will visit Odessa. They will meet with the Odessa Region Council Chairman Mykola Skoryk and the Mayor of Odessa Eduard Gurwits. The Chair of the Bulgarian Parliament and the delegation will meet with the Bulgarian community of Odessa at the Bulgarian Culture Centre in the city.

Tsetska Tsacheva will open the exhibition named :"The Age of King Ferdinand I", dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the opening of a Bulgarian Consulate General in Odessa.

The delegation includes MPs Pavel Dimitrov, Chairman of the Group for Friendship between Bulgaria and Ukraine, Menda Stoyanova, Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, Nikolay Melemov (PG GERB), Krassimir Minchev (PG GERB), Kasim Dal(PG MRF) and Stoyan Ivanov (Ataka PG).The Chairman of the State Agency for Bulgarians Abroad Rosen Ivanov and the Sofia City Library Director Mihail Belchev are among the other members of the delegation.