Nikolina Angelkova, Chairman of the Friendship Group between Bulgaria and the United States in the National Assembly, held an online meeting with Congressman Bradley Schneider, Co-Chair of the Friendship Group with Bulgaria in the US Congress. Tihomir Stoychev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria to the United States, also took part.

The meeting confirmed the excellent partnership between the two countries. Despite the complex situation, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our strategic partnership continues to progress. I am sure that we will continue to work for deepening economic relations and attracting investments to our country, Nikolina Angelkova said.

Congressman Schneider and Nikolina Angelkova agreed to work on organizing a trade mission to Bulgaria from the state of Illinois. I would be happy to visit Bulgaria and help organize a trade mission in order to strengthen bilateral relations in the field of investments and economy, said Congressman Bradley Schneider. The issue of Bulgaria's inclusion in the US Visa Free Travel Programme was also raised.

It was emphasized that the fruitful cooperation between Bulgaria and the United States will continue in tourism once travel is restored. For our country the US is an important tourist market, its development is among the priority areas in the bilateral partnership, said Nikolina Angelkova. She thanked the US for its support through a number of initiatives in support of efforts to counter the spread of COVID-19. The pandemic illustrates the importance of partnership and solidarity between countries in the fight to preserve people's health, Angelkova said.