Official Visit of H.E. Mr. Ivailo Kalfin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, to India (1-3 March 2009) The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria H.E. Mr. Ivailo Kalfin paid an official visit to India on 1-3 March 2009 at the invitation of the Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India H.E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee. The visit was part of the ongoing intensive high-level political dialogue between Bulgaria and India and contributed to the further enhancement of the relations of traditional friendship and partnership between the two countries. In New Delhi H.E. Mr. Ivailo Kalfin held talks with H.E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, who also hosted a lunch in honour of the visiting Bulgarian dignitary. The two Foreign Ministers stressed the importance of the sustained high-level political dialogue between the two friendly countries and expressed their determination to work jointly for further strengthening the bilateral partnership and the mutually beneficial cooperation in different priority areas, putting special emphasis on expanding mutual trade and investment, enhancing cooperation in science and technology, defence, culture and education, etc. They also shared views on topical regional and international issues, including the global economic crisis, the energy security and the fight against terrorism. The Ministers signed an Agreement on Exemption of Visa Requirement for Holders of Diplomatic and Official / Service Passports, and a Programme for Cooperation in the Field of Science, Education and Culture for the period 2009-2011. They had a brief interaction with the media as well. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr. Ivailo Kalfin called on the Hon'ble Vice President of India H.E. Mr. Mohammad Hamid Ansari. The Bulgarian Deputy Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs had an interactive meeting with Indian businessmen at FICCI where opportunities for further expansion of bilateral trade, economic and investment cooperation were discussed in detail. The Bulgarian Foreign Minister visited "Georgi Stoikov Rakovski" Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya in New Delhi and characterized it as a true symbol of the friendship between Bulgaria and India. H.E. Mr. Ivailo Kalfin attended the reception on the occasion of the National Day of Bulgaria - 3rd March - hosted by the Ambassador of Bulgaria at the Bulgarian Embassy. The Minister of State for External Affairs H.E. Mr. Anand Sharma was the Chief Guest of the event from the Indian side.