Maliki, Mladenov discuss bilateral relations

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The Iraqi Premier Nouri al-Maliki discussed with the Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nikolay Mladenov the Iraqi-Bulgarian bilateral relations.

A statement by Premier’s Office cited Wednesday “Maliki, during his reception of the Bulgarian FM Mladenov and accompanying delegation, called to upgrade the bilateral relations between Iraq and Bulgaria on all levels via expanding participation of Bulgarian companies in rebuilding Iraq,” noting that “Maliki also called to hold meetings for the Iraqi Ministers with their Bulgarian counterparts.”

“Maliki stressed the balanced Iraqi policy in the region to preserve security and stability in the region,” the statement added.

The statement mentioned that “Maliki received a letter from his Bulgarian counterpart which included an invitation for Maliki to visit Bulgaria and PM Maliki promised to fulfill this invitation soon.”

For his part, the Bulgarian Minister assured that he will “return to Baghdad within few days, but this time he will be accompanied by some Foreign Ministers from the European Union to assert the European support for Iraq,” appreciating the democratic experiment in Iraq and the brave and wise leadership of Premier Maliki for Iraq at this tough phase.”

He also mentioned that “Bulgaria will start its Embassy in Baghdad soon,” calling to inaugurate a branch for the US-Bulgarian Bank in Baghdad to facilitate performance of Bulgarian companies in Iraq.

The Bulgarian FM has arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday morning in an official visit to Iraq.