Steinberg: US Couldn't Be Happier with Bulgarian Partnership

US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg (left) has praised the level of cooperation between America and Bulgaria, and the efforts of Bulgarian PM Borisov (right). Photo by BGNES

The United States could not wish for a better partnership that it has with Bulgaria, declared US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg in Sofia.

“I am extremely happy with our conversation regarding our partnership with Bulgaria in the region and in the entire world. We have a commitment to Bulgaria for the establishment of a viable society, and we appreciate your efforts to create a strong economy,” the senior US diplomat said after meeting with the Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov.

He emphasized the fact that the United States recognize the contribution of Bulgaria and Borisov regarding the NATO mission in Afghanistan.

“We evaluate highly your efforts to reform the judicial system and economy, and your support for the Euro-Atlantic integration of the other countries in the region,” Steinberg stated while also thanking Bulgaria for resettling on its soil one former Guantanamo prisoner.

The US Deputy State Secretary stressed his expectation that the US-Bulgarian cooperation will intensify.

“Bulgaria has always had a clear Euro-Atlantic orientation, and these policies are continuing and persisting. It is clear to everybody that such frequent visits by high-ranking American officials and guests underscore the US support for the Bulgarian government, and for our uncompromising fight against corruption and organized crime, as well as for our intention to adhere to strict fiscal discipline,” declared in turn the Bulgarian Prime Minister apparently referring to the recent visits by a number of US government representatives, including the CIA Director Leon Panetta.

During Thursday’s meeting, both the Bulgarian PM and the US diplomat expressed the view that the planned US missile defense in Europe must become a NATO-wide project covering all European states.

“Currently, we are trying to reach an agreement on the missile shield within NATO. This issue affects all NATO member states,” Steinberg said.

He called the crisis ensuing the storming by Israeli commandos of the Free Gaza Movement flotilla on Monday “a huge challenge that we must resolve,” and expressed the regrets of the United States for the loss of lives during the operation.

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