Bulgarian PM Borissov, US President Trump Confer at White House

During his official visit to the US, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov conferred with US President Donald J. Trump at the Oval Office on Monday.

The Chief Executive welcomed the Bulgarian head of government at the White House entrance. Contrary to plans, Trump invited the media before the start of the one-to-one meeting at the Oval Office. The President told reporters that a waiver of US visas for Bulgarians may be considered, the matter will definitely be discussed. The host added that the US has a fantastic friendship with Bulgaria and the numerous Bulgarian Americans are wonderful people.

Trump said it is quite probable that he will visit Bulgaria, as long as Borissov invites him. He told his guest that Bulgaria sets an example for Germany and should tell the Germans that Bulgarian defence spending tops 3 per cent of GDP. Trump's remarks were prompted by the fact that Bulgaria's defence budget reached 3.1 per cent of GDP thanks to the purchase of eight US-made F-16 jet fighters. "Bulgaria is buying terrific American weapons, the best in the world," the US President pointed out.

"The strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the US has never been deeper. Our cooperation, based on common values, is all-embracing and comprehensive in security and defence, law enforcement, energy diversification, trade, investments and person-to-person contacts," Borissov wrote in the White House guest book. "As close allies, we are working together to build world stability and peace and to advance the Western Balkans' Euro-Atlantic integration."

"Bulgaria highly appreciates its strategic partnership with the US," Borissov told Trump at the beginning of their meeting. The guest is satisfied with the steady political dialogue at all levels and is convinced that both countries will benefit from its further invigoration. The PM stressed the excellent bilateral partnership in a number of areas. He noted the constructive interaction in the preparation and conclusion of the contract for the acquisition of F-16 Block 70 combat aircraft and specifically emphasized the industrial cooperation accompanying the modernization of the Bulgarian Armed Forces.

The guest also noted Bulgarian-US energy cooperation within the context of national security and noted the projects on which Bulgaria is working hard and which will contribute to a diversification of energy sources and routes.

Stressing the importance of trade and economic relations, Borissov said that American investors are welcome to Bulgaria and that his country promotes high-tech production. He listed Bulgaria's advantages as an investment destination.

The PM said that Bulgaria is also interested in pursuing cooperation with the US in education, science, tourism and people-to-people contacts.

Source: BTA