FM: Bulgaria Must Build Pragmatic Trade Relationship with Russia

Bulgarian Foreign Affairs Minister Kristian Vigenin. Photo by EPA/BGNES

The Bulgarian cabinet is committed to being pro-active in seeking out foreign markets for Bulgarian products, stated Bulgaria's Foreign Affairs Minister Kristian Vigenin.

"Every country, including Bulgaria, must look for ways to further its interests," said Vigenin in an interview for bTV Tuesday evening.

In particular, the Bulgarian top diplomat singled out Russia as a country with respect to which Bulgaria can do more.

"On the one hand, we have a traditional partnership with Russia. On the other - we have a huge unused potential with respect to the economy, trade, investments and tourism," said Vigenin.

According to him, previous Bulgarian cabinets had failed to uphold a consistent policy with respect to Russia.

"If you look at other EU member states, including leading ones - they have an exceptionally active economic and trade policy towards Russia. Which does not preclude a critical standing on a number of other questions," said Vigenin.

"We must see our own interest and to follow it. That is why respect to this our approach is complex and devoid of ideological dogmas," stated the Bulgarian Foreign Affairs Minister.

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