site.btaForeign Minister Georgiev Receives Australia's Athens-Based Ambassador to Bulgaria, Alison Duncan

Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev on Monday received Australia's Ambassador to Bulgaria, Alison Duncan, who is based in Athens, the Foreign Ministry said. The sides praised the strong and friendly relations, based on shared values and common interests.

They discussed the positive outlook for cooperation within the EU-Australia dialogue, including the resumption of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement, as well as the development of the NATO-Australia dialogue. There was also an exchange of views on current matters on the international agenda. The Australian Ambassador highlighted Bulgaria's progress towards accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Georgiev noted that Australia is an important partner in the Asia-Pacific region. The sides expressed satisfaction with the successful development of bilateral initiatives, including the negotiation of a Double Tax Avoidance Agreement, as well as with the fine practical cooperation under the Memorandum on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, among others. Ambassador Duncan shared details of her visit to the town of Sozopol (on the Black Sea), where she observed research conducted by Bulgarian and Australian experts on the Urdoviza shipwreck.

The contribution of Bulgarians to Australia's cultural diversity and development was also highlighted, with special mention of the largest Bulgarian community in the Asia-Pacific region, which resides in Australia.