Strengthening of the economic relations and increase of the trade between Bulgaria and Croatia were among the topics discussed at the meeting between the National Assembly President, Mihail Mikov, and the Croatian Speaker of Parliament (Hrvatskog sabora), Josip Leko. Bulgarian parliamentary delegation, led by the President of the National Assembly, Mihail Mikov, is on an official visit to the Republic of Croatia at the invitation of the President of the Croatian Parliament, Josip Leko.

During the talks the parties confirmed that the relations between Bulgaria and Croatia were very good, friendly and such between partners.  That is how Josip Leko described the relations between the two countries in a statement for the media. He added the two countries have common interests and positions on a number of topics, pointing among them the processes taking place in South East Europe, the support for EU membership of the countries in the region, the support for the EU Open Door Policy, the Danube Strategy. He stated that Croatia is interested in the experience of Bulgaria in the European Union and in the process of attaining common policies in the European Union. Croatia is also interested in Bulgaria’s experience in achieving the requirements for access to the Schengen Area.

The parties also discussed how to intensify the cooperation between the two states at the level of their parliamentary committees.

The relations between our states stand at a very high level, noted the head of the National Assembly, Mihail Mikov. Now, that Croatia had become deservedly member of the European Union, new opportunities for cooperation had opened. In his words this fact entrusts upon the two countries new responsibilities – to working on common positions on the acts adopted by the EU. After the Lisbon Treaty took effect it provides the national parliaments with opportunities to exchange ideas and formulate common solutions and policies.

Later on the Bulgarian delegation including also Zahari Georgiev and Diana Yordanova, members of the Friendship Group with Croatia at  the parliament of Bulgaria, have visited the Bulgarian church “St George” in Zagreb.

The delegation has held also meetings with the President of the Republic of Croatia, Ivo Yosipovic and the Vice-Premier and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Vesna Pusic.

The delegation is scheduled to meet with the Bulgarian community in Croatia.