He said that in line with the preliminary information, the session of the Bulgarian-Uzbek intergovernmental commission will be held in Sofia on 1-2 November 2012. The agenda of the event was also offered, he said.

Volodya Chanev Neykov stated that during the session, the sides will consider issues on development of cooperation in such areas as food industry, pharmaceutics, wine production, textile industry, food industry, machinery and tourism.

He said that Bulgaria offers modern tourism infrastructure, modern tourism management, various opportunities for summer and winter tourism, SPA, rich mineral waters.

Bulgarian diplomat said that it is planned to hold business forum with participation of state and private business circles of Bulgaria and Uzbekistan along with the session of the intergovernmental commission.

Both sides confirmed that they are ready to hold next round of regular political consultations between foreign affairs ministries simultaneously with session of the intergovernmental commission. Within the consultations, the sides are expected to discuss further development of bilateral relations and actual international and regional issues, he said.

Volodya Chanev Neykov said that the sides agreed text of agreement between the governments of Bulgaria and Uzbekisan on visa-free travel of citizens, who own diplomatic passports. He said that the text of agreement was agreed in July 2012 after long discussions. He said that the document should be signed in high level.

Currently, the Bulgarian side is focusing on developing bilateral trade-economic relations. There is good potential for expanding bilateral economic cooperation and trade, which does not meet opportunities of two states, he said.

In last year, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Bulgaria grew by 22.4% year-on-year, but the absolute volume was low – US$16.213 million.

He said that Bulgaria exports pharmaceutical products, petrochemical products, electronics, cosmetics and perfume.

At the same time, Bulgaria imports mineral and chemical fertilizers, cotton linen and stockinet, as well as grape.

Bulgarian and Uzbek people have common historic roots and have common mentality and traditions. He said that Bulgaria believes that the country as full-fledged member of the EU can serve as bridge between Uzbekistan and economic zone of the EU to export high quality products.

Bulgarian diplomat said that trade-economic and investment presence of the Bulgarian companies in Uzbekistan expanded in last two years.

Neykov said that Bulgarian Prista Oil created a joint venture Uz-Prista joint venture in the territory of Ferghana Refinery, which became the first producer of synthetic motor oils at Uzbek market.

This year, Prista-Oil developed the second project on processing used industrial and motor oil at the Angren specialized industrial zone. The investment volume is about US$15 million, he said.

Bulgarian transport company COMAT – AO has been operating for the third year. Modern transport terminal for 80 trucks has been constructed in Termez. Bulgarian firm in cooperation with the Uzbek partners carry out international automobile freight transportation of food products to Afghan people, Neykov said.

Bulgarian diplomat expressed gratitude to the Uzbek competent institutions for assistance in solving problems related to operations of Bulgarian firm and hope for mutual beneficial cooperation in automobile transportation.

Bulgaria recognized independence of Uzbekistan on 15 January 1992 and the countries established diplomatic relations on 12 September 1992. Bulgaria opened Embassy in Tashkent in April 1999 led by the Charge d'Affaires.

Neykov said that the Bulgarian-Uzbek political relations are developing positively and the countries have no problems. Both sides rate relations as close and friendly, he added.

He said that Bulgari supports firm and consistent policy of Uzbekistan on fighting terrorism, separatism and organized crime and on stable and peaceful development of Central Asia. He said that elimination of production and traffic of drugs from Afghanistan should be priority of joint efforts.