The diplomatic ties between Bulgaria and Canada, the processes in the European Union and Brexit were among the issues discussed at the meeting of MPs from the Foreign Policy Committee, the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of European Funds and the Economic Policy and Tourism Committee with a delegation of Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association.

The foreign guests said it is necessary to strengthen the relations between Bulgaria and Canada to attract more investments and remove financial barriers.

The relations between our two countries have a long history and a positive political dialogue, emphasised Kristian Vigenin, Chair of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of European Funds, and added that the main focus in the work of the National Assembly is on the parliamentary dimension of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU. He also commented on the priorities of the Presidency which have already been announced and include the integration of the Western Balkans. Kristian Vigenin mentioned that the countries in the region should be supported in their efforts to become full members of United Europe. In his words, this will contribute to peace, security and stability not only on the Balkans but also on the Old Continent.

Hristo Gadzhev, MP, explained that by joining the EU Bulgaria has boosted its trade and economic growth, which is an incentive for the other countries in the region as well.

Peter Kanev, Chair of the Economic Policy and Tourism Committee, said that the volume of trade between the two countries has been negligible. In his words, a calm debate will help iron out the differences regarding the ratification of the agreement, which, in turn, will support the Bulgarian-Canadian economic relations.

The Bulgarian parliamentarians shared their expectations that the liberalisation of visas will be completed by the end of the year. They said that this will provide many more opportunities for cooperation and sustainable contacts between Bulgarian and Canadian nationals.