In Sofia on October 29, Minister Oskanian met with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin. The colleagues agreed that the historically and culturally rich and traditionally friendly relations between the two peoples can only serve as a catalyst for more dynamic political dialogue. 

Regarding improving economic relations, the upcoming visit of Bulgaria’s Prime Minister will help place trade and technological issues on more solid footing, they said, especially if this is followed by organized meetings between businessmen from the two countries.

The two also exchanged views about conflicts in the Balkans and the Caucasus – especially focusing on the Nagorno Karabakh and Kosovo issues. 
 
Following the meeting, the two ministers signed the protocol on cooperation between the Foriegn Mnistries of Armenia and Bulgaria.

Earlier in the same day, Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov received Armenia’s Foreign Minister. President Parvanov, who had visited Armenia in 2004, discussed Armenia-Bulgaria relations as well as cooperation within international organizations. President Parvanov indicated his willingness to share his country’s experience in the process of European integration.

In Sofia, Minister Oskanian also saw Armenia’s new embassy building. There, he met with the leadership of Sofia’s Armenian community, and presented 10-year passports to Armenia’s new Honorary Consul in Plovdiv, Bulgaria – Mr. Eliazar Ouzounian and his wife.
The Minister also spoke with the editors of Bulgaria’s “Yerevan” Weekly newspaper.