Minister of Foreign Affairs Solomon Passy Meets BBLF Members

 "The success of Bulgaria's foreign policy is primarily due to the consistency in following our EU and Euro-Atlantic priorities," said Minister of Foreign Affairs Solomon Passy at a business luncheon with the members of the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum on March 9, 2004, at the Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan.

Minister Passy shared how Bulgarian diplomacy worked for attracting foreign investments in the country and for setting up an international lobby favorable to Bulgarian business. He pointed out the importance of Bulgaria carrying out its international responsibilities, its active position in the region and its affirmative role as a stabilizing factor not only on the Balkans but on a broad scale as well.

"As a result of our consistent efforts Bulgaria received an invitation to join NATO and just in a few days we'll be NATO's equal member," he said. The Minister is well-known for his pioneering role in promoting Euro-Atlantic values in the past 15 years.

Minister Passy also emphasized on the huge progress Bulgaria has made in the negotiations for integration with the European Union. The Minister also mentioned the recognition shown to the country by granting the chair position in OSCE, which shows recognition and respect. All these positive results, he said, are helping to promote Bulgaria as a reliable and desired political and economic partner.

"The intelligent foreign policy implemented by the Ministry of Affairs is of extreme importance to the business community in the country," said Mr. Maxim Behar, Chairman of BBLF.

The ambassadors of United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, Holland and Norway took active part in the meeting, attended by BBLF members and friends.