Bulgarian, South Korean FMs discuss strengthening economic ties

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov and his visiting South Korean counterpart Yun Byung-se here on Wednesday discussed strengthening bilateral economic relations, officials said.

Bulgaria attaches great importance to the development of trade and economic cooperation with South Korea, Mitov told Yun, according to a statement issued by the Bulgarian foreign ministry.

"Cooperation with the Republic of Korea in areas such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, automotive and information and communication technologies is fundamental to us," Mitov said.

"Our efforts are aimed at attracting investment and expanding trade," he said.

"For us, Bulgaria is a key partner, not only in Southeast Europe, but also in the European Union," Yun said in turn, as quoted by the statement.

Bilateral relations should develop in three key areas, including at the levels of intergovernmental, political and parliamentary dialogue; business communications; and cultural and educational exchanges, Yun said.

According to him, tourism is the area that has the most untapped potential, and the two countries need to focus their efforts on its priority development, the statement said.

This was the first visit of a South Korean foreign minister to Bulgaria since 1990, and the second in the history of bilateral relations, the statement said. Endit