The ambitions for deepening the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the USA and the opportunities for further activation of cooperation in key areas such as security and defense, energy diversification, trade and economy, innovation and technology, strengthening democracy and the rule of law was discussed today in New York by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivan Kondov with the US Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia James O'Brien, BNT reported.
Kondov and O'Brien also discussed the issue of concluding a Social Security Agreement between Bulgaria and the USA, which would be in the interest of Bulgarian citizens working or living in the USA.
Bulgaria's inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program was another important topic in the conversation between the two. Minister Kondov emphasized that achieving full visa reciprocity with the US is a key issue in our bilateral dialogue and we remain committed to implementing all necessary steps to ensure Bulgaria's inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program.
He pointed out to his interlocutor that the inclusion of Bulgaria in the Program would not only demonstrate the strategic nature of our relations, but would also bring significant benefits to the economy, security and tourism of both countries and would become an important tool for improving and deepening contacts between people.