The good partnership between France and Bulgaria in key areas such as energy, security, defence, trade, culture and agriculture is strengthening, Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov said in Paris after a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. Mr Denkov is on a one-day visit to France. 

"Our country's motto is United We Stand Strong, which seems more important than ever in today's dynamic world," Nikolai Denkov said, stressing that Bulgaria would continue to support Ukraine. The Prime Minister thanked President Macron for his support and positive assessment of the development of relations with France, as well as "our efforts to develop Bulgaria and bilateral relations with your country".

Denkov was quoted by BTA as saying: "As EU and NATO members, our cooperation not only strengthens and guarantees the security of our economies and societies, but also contributes to the overall stability of Europe.

Bulgaria has come a very long way since 2007, from joining the EU to the eurozone, which Bulgaria should join once it meets the criteria, as well as Schengen, the French president said. 

Macron praised the courage of the Bulgarian authorities in reversing the paradigm in their relations with Russia since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine.