Italian PM Berlusconi: My Sympathy for Bulgaria Turned into Love

Bulgaria's President, Georgi Parvanov, bestowed Thursday Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, with the State Order “Stara Planina.”

Parvanov pointed out that the award demonstrates the high marks given by Bulgaria to the Italian PM's leadership role in international politics, the 130 years of progress of the bilateral relations, the strategic partnership and the beneficial political dialogue between the two countries.

The President voiced his hopes Berlusconi would assist Bulgaria in the release of the frozen EU funds and the overall improvement of Bulgaria's image in Europe and the world.

“If you become a political tourist, representing your country all over the world, Bulgaria can gain significant influence,” Berlusconi replied, adding Parvanov is always welcomed in Italy.

Berlusconi, who is the first foreign leader to officially visit Bulgaria after the appointment of the new Cabinet of the rightist Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party, spoke about his strong sympathy towards Bulgaria, which later turned into love. He told how while watching footage from the Yalta conference he saw Bulgaria and Romania remaining under Soviet rule and felt deeply saddened for the country's harsh destiny, often misunderstood by Europe, something that become the reason for the Italian PM's unwavering support for Bulgaria.

In addition to diplomatic courtesy, Berlusconi confirmed before Parvanov that Italy will support additional compensations for Bulgaria for the closing of Units 3 and 4 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) and the absorption of EUR 7 B form EU funds.

The two also talked about the importance of the completion of the gas pipe line “South Stream” and Bulgaria's second NPP - Belene.

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