ODESA, NOVEMBER 11th, 2013, CONTEXT-PRICHERNOMORIE ― The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria Kristian Vigenin believes that the Odesa region is one of the regions that contribute to the strengthening of relations between Ukraine and Bulgaria, Context-Prichernomorie correspondent reports.

Mr Vigenin noted on Saturday, 9 November, during the meeting with the Governor of Odesa region.

“The purpose of this official visit to Ukraine has two points. The first is to give further impetus to the deepening of relations between Ukraine and Bulgaria. The second is to express the position of Bulgaria on Ukraine’s aspirations to join the European Union,” Mr Vigenin noted.

Naturally, besides the strengthening relationships at the international level, it is important to strengthen at the regional one. Relationships have been already established between the different regions of Ukraine and Bulgaria will be strengthened and sustained. In this respect, it is also important that these relationships were supported by EU funds,” the minister mentioned. “The economic aspect of trade and economic exchange between states and regions is also important. If Ukraine signs an Association Agreement with the EU, it will contribute to the development of economic and other kinds of relations between Ukraine and Bulgaria. My position is that just Odesa region is one of the regions that contribute to the strengthening of relations between Ukraine and Bulgaria.”