Valletta’s hustle and bustle yesterday paused as the Bulgarian President, Georgi Parvanov accompanied by a police escort and his entourage, made his way into the city and to the Palace.
He is in Malta on a two-day visit.
Following a meeting between the two heads of state, they were driven to the Cenotaph in Floriana where a wreath laying ceremony was held in honour of those who lost their lives in the wars.
People on buses at the busy terminus and others wanting to leave the car park to get on with their life little knew what was going on, but were stopped for some 10 minutes shortly after midday, until the official ceremony and parade were over.
The Bulgarian President’s visit to Malta has consolidated the excellent relations between our two countries and will bring new growth, said President George Abela in a statement to the press shortly after their private meeting.
The two Presidents discussed bilateral relations and the potential in trade, investment, youth and sport, as well as maritime transport.
Malta and Bulgaria have mutual areas of discussion as EU member states. This guarantees that both follow democratic principles, European law, respect for human rights and prosperity, Dr Abela said. He also stressed the importance of contact between the people of the two nations.
The two countries are working hard towards peace and security in our regions as well as the integration of the Balkans into the European Union. He noted that Malta looks forward to peace and security in the Mediterranean.
On Bulgaria’s behalf, Mr Parvanov invited the President for a reciprocal visit to Bulgaria and suggested he is accompanied by a business delegation to open new ventures for local entrepreneurs.
Dr Abela said he had visited Bulgaria as president of the football association some years ago and promised to return as Malta’s head of state.
Bulgaria had greatly appreciated Malta’s support for its membership bid of the European Union and we will continue to support its entry into the euro zone and Schengen areas, he added.
Mr Parvanov said that Malta and Bulgaria were on the same wavelength regarding the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, EU enlargement policy, and peace in the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions.
The Bulgarian delegation also met with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat. Mr Parvanov has also toured Vittoriosa, and assisted in a tree planting ceremony at San Anton Gardens.
This morning he is visiting Mdina, the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the Limestone Heritage Museum in Siggiewi. The delegation will leave Malta at around 4pm today.