October 6, 2010

The opportunities to expand the ties between the parliaments of Bulgaria and Italy were discussed between the National Assembly Chair Tsetska Tsacheva and the President of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy Gianfranco Fini. The Italian guest paid a one-day official visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of Ms Tsacheva.

In their statements for the media, Tsetska Tsacheva and Gianfranco Fini defined the relations between the two countries as excellent. The President of the National Assembly noted that she and Mr. Fini shared the opinion that the Western Balkans should join the EU. In turn, Gianfranco Fini noted that the complete unification of Europe would not happen until all countries in the Balkans become part of the EU.

“Italy is our strategic and economic partner and the education system of Italy enjoys interest in Bulgaria”, said Tsetska Tsacheva. On his part the President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies noticed that Bulgaria haа become a serious market and the reforms of last years had pulled it closer to the European level and made it even more attractive to business.

Health care was one of the topics discussed at the meeting. National Assembly President announced that the two leaders exchanged information about the structure of health systems in the two countries. Gianfranco Fini said that the health care issue in Italy is at the constant attention of both the ruling parties and the opposition, the same as in Bulgaria.

The member of the Italian parliament thanked Tsetska Tsacheva for the time spared to meet with the delegation, having such a busy schedule in the plenary. In a further comment Mr. Fini stated that the two countries have close ties at government level and the same should be reached at the level of parliaments.

The President of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy was welcomed in the plenary hall of the National Assembly.