Priorities of the
foreign policy of the Republic of Bulgaria are:
Bulgaria's integration into the European Union
Bulgaria's integration in NATO
active role in laying foundations of the regional stability,
security and co-operation in South-Eastern Europe
active participation in the work of the United Nations
and other intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations
and institutions
development of the bilateral relations with all the countries
of priority importance to Bulgaria
promotion of the international economic cooperation
As a result of the continuous efforts of the Bulgarian
Government to step up the integration with the EU an
official invitation to start negotiations for full EU
membership has been extended to Bulgaria during the
Helsinki summit of the EU countries , December 10, 1999.
The negotiations on the topics of the integration programme
have started in February 2000. Bulgaria also is developing
good relations with all European countries on a bilateral
basis as well as at different multilateral forums and
organizations like CEFTA (Central European Free Trade
Association), CEI (Central European Initiative) etc.
In its approach towards integration into NATO Bulgaria
has a longstanding tradition of good cooperation within
the frames of the multilateral Partnership for Peace
and Open Sky agreements as well as bilateral cooperation
with the organization. This cooperation and mutual understanding
have been proved during the Kosovo crisis in 1999.
An invitation for NATO Membership has been extended
to Bulgaria during the Prague NATO Summit in November
2002. On April 2, 2004 Bulgaria has become member of
NATO.
Statement by Dr. Solomon
Passy, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is not only a founder and creator of the emerging
system for security, stability and cooperation in South-Eastern
Europe, but also one of the most active countries in
the region in the fields of diplomacy. Bulgaria lied
down, together with the other countries of the Balkans,
the corner stones of the Black Sea Economic cooperation.
First battalion of the South - East European forces
for peacekeeping and peace implementation was created
with an active participation of Bulgaria, and its first
HQ was set up in Plovdiv, the second largest city in
Bulgaria.
Bulgaria has been an active member of the UN ever since
it joined the world organization in late 50's. The dramatic
changes in the world during the last 10-15 years as
well as changes in Bulgaria itself determined the new,
active role which Bulgaria would like to play in the
world matters. Bulgaria's participation in creating,
adopting and implementing a number of international
treaties, conventions and UN resolutions is a substantial
contribution to the world efforts for a better world
of broad political and economic co-operation, stable
and lasting peace, protection of all human rights and
conservation of the environment.
In 2001 Bulgaria has been elected as a non-permanent
member of the Security Council of the OUN for the period
January 1 - December 31, 2002 and in the current year
Bulgaria takes an active part in the work of the SC
of the United Nations.
Development of the bilateral relations with a number
of countries is a top priority of the Bulgarian foreign
policy. Among them are USA and EU countries, Russia
and countries of CIS, neighbouring countries. Among
Asian countries Bulgaria pays special attention to the
development of friendly relations and fruitful cooperation
with India, China and Japan. Further strengthening of
the relations with these countries is of great importance
for Bulgaria.
Bulgaria is seeking foreign investments. Privatisation
of state-run Bulgarian enterprises is open for companies
from all over the world. In the same time Bulgarian
companies are looking for conquering new markets. Being
an active member of GATT for years in 1996 Bulgaria
became a full WTO member. |
