site.btaBulgarian Parliament Chair Kiselova, Polish President Duda Discuss Ways to Deepen Bilateral Cooperation

Bulgaria’s National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova and Poland’s President Andrzej Duda have discussed ways to deepen parliamentary and economic cooperation between Bulgaria and Poland, the Parliament’s press service said on Wednesday. Duda is on an official visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of President Rumen Radev.

Kiselova said that Bulgaria and Poland enjoy excellent bilateral relations and constructive cooperation, not only on a bilateral level but also within various international organizations. The Bulgarian Parliament Chair added that the two countries share similar positions on many issues within the European Union and NATO, as well as a common commitment to regional and global security. Kiselova highlighted the National Assembly’s readiness to strengthen parliamentary dialogue, adding that this can be achieved through the fruitful cooperation between the friendship groups in both country’s legislative institutions. In her words, Bulgaria's top priority is accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). “We continue to rely on Poland's support in this regard,” she added.

President Duda also expressed satisfaction with the excellent bilateral relations, saying that his country is ready to enhance the interparliamentary dialogue. While the increase in bilateral trade is a positive sign of deepening ties, there is still untapped potential, Duda said. He stressed that Bulgaria's Schengen membership, supported by Poland, paves the way for closer business relations and more Polish investments and tourists.

At the end of the meeting, the Polish head of State told the National Assembly leadership that he will remain a great friend of Bulgaria and will support initiatives that contribute to the development of good bilateral relations.

Poland is an extremely important economic, trade, and investment partner for Bulgaria, and the growing volume of trade year after year is a testament to this, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said after a one-on-one meeting with Duda.

Earlier in the day, Radev and his spouse, Desislava Radeva, officially welcomed Duda and his spouse, Agata Kornhauser-Duda, at a ceremony in Sofia.