NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT ASSOC. PROF. BORISLAV VELIKOV MET WITH THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE KINGDOM OF NORWAY KJELL MAGNE BONDEVIK

“Norway shares Bulgaria’s concern over the problem with the Bulgarian medics in Libya and supports this country’s efforts for finding a fair outcome of the trial against the Bulgarian nurses,” Prime Minister of Norway Kjell Magne Bondevik underlined during his meeting with National Assembly President Assoc. Prof. Borislav Velikov. “Norway will cooperate with the European Commission on projects providing assistance to HIV-infected children in Libya,” he added.

Assoc. Prof. Borislav Velikov reminded his guest of Prof. Gerdjikov’s recent initiative to send an appeal to the Presidents of European Parliaments, including the Norwegian one, on the problem with the Bulgarian medics sentenced to death in Libya.

National Assembly President stated that the political relations between the two countries are very good but the potential of the trade and economic contacts has not been enough developed and expressed his hope that the bilateral trade and economic relations would be invigorated next year.

According to the Norwegian Prime Minister, the interest of investors towards Bulgaria has grown and Bulgaria’s forthcoming membership of the European Union and the European Economic Area will open up many new opportunities for the bilateral economic and trade relations. Bulgaria’s EU full membership will open up new opportunities in economy and trade with all European partners as well, he added and recalled that Norway is not a member of the EU but it is a member of the European Economic Area.

Bulgaria’s experience in preparations for NATO membership is of great use to the countries in the region, especially to Serbia and Montenegro, Kjell Magne Bondevik said and proposed that Bulgaria and Norway could work together on issues related to military reforms in Serbia and Montenegro.

The Norwegian Prime Minister mentioned tourism as an area for cooperation. Over 23,000 Norwegian tourists visited Bulgaria last year and their number is growing, he said.