"Bulgaria used to be and will be an active factor in the laying out of a modern and effective EU energy policy," Bulgarian President Georgi Purvanov said Friday in his address at the reception he hosts every year for ambassadors accredited to Bulgaria.

Bulgaria believes that sustainable energy security in Europe can be achieved only through an active dialogue on equal terms and beneficial to all parties with the countries from the Black Sea Region, Central Asia and the Middle East, which could provide new energy sources and will be part of the routes under the new energy projects, Purvanov said.

Bulgarian President said that for the past year Bulgaria was consistent in its foreign affairs priorities and proved itself to be a stable, secure and predictable ally within the structures of EU and NATO.

Purvanov said that as a new EU member, Bulgaria was determined to implement the EU agenda through its activities, initiatives and overall policy. Bulgaria participated actively in the preparation and adoption of the Lisbon Treaty and ratified it very quickly. He added that Bulgaria was and will continue to be an active participant in the EU policy on enlargement and new neighbours.

Purvanov spoke of the pull out of the Bulgarian forces from Iraq, whose mission there he described as "successful" and confirmed Bulgaria's willingness to take part in peace keeping operations in the future.

Purvanov said that Bulgaria continues to be a factor of stability and security on the Balkans, noting the numerous bilateral relations and the active multipartite dialogue on all questions in the region.

Bulgarian President also noted Bulgaria's relations and participation in a number of initiatives concerning Asia, Africa and Latin America in search of new partners and a desire to restore good relations with old friends.

As regards the domestic political and economic situation, Bulgaria is successfully tackling challenges and is stable, Purvanov said. He added that the presidency will contribute to the keeping of stability in the years ahead. He expressed his assurance that in 2009 there will be a heightened sensitivity to social issues and the expectations of the various social groups will be considered more carefully.

Lebanon's Ambassador to Bulgaria and doyen among foreign diplomats Micheline Abi Samra noted that within two years of its accession Bulgaria proved it could be a factor of stability on the Balkans and is committed to actively participate in the strengthening of ties between the EU and the Euro-Mediterranean space. Ambassador Samra said that with its tolerant culture and ability to tackle problems in a humane and tactful way, Bulgaria plays an important role in the dialogue between cultures.

Among those who attended the reception were Vice President Angel Marin, Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev, Ministers Gergana Grancharova, Mihail Mikov and Assen Gagaouzov, Deputy Ministers Milen Keremedchiev and Yavor Miloushev, Parliamentary Deputy Chairs Lyuben Kornezov, Kamelia Kassabova, Younal Loutfu and Petar Beron, MPs, and President's advisers.

Source: BTA