July 6 (SeeNews) - Bulgaria and Ukraine agreed to strengthen their cooperation in energy and defence during a visit by president Volodymir Zelenskyy to Sofia on Thursday, the Bulgarian government said.
President Zelenskyy and Bulgarian prime minister Nikolay Denkov signed a bilateral political declaration in support of Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration when it becomes possible, the Bulgarian government said in a press release.
"Bulgaria is consistent in its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity because we are convinced that an independent and sovereign Ukraine is crucial to Euro-Atlantic security," Denkov said.
Bulgaria also pledged to take part in Ukraine's postwar recovery as it can offer expertise and assistance in rebuilding the country's energy and transport infrastructure.
Earlier in the day, the 240-seat Bulgarian parliament passed in a 157-57 vote a decision to back Ukraine's future NATO membership after peace is restored in the country, state news agency BTA reported.
During the visit, the energy ministers of the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in energy, which envisages exchange of expertise in the more efficient use of renewable energy sources and new energy technologies, the government also said.
Speaking at a joint news conference with Zelenskyy after the signing ceremony, Denkov said talks have started between the two countries to explore whether the Russian-made reactors for Belene nuclear power plant could be used at one of the nuclear power plants in Ukraine.
Earlier in the day, the Bulgarian parliament voted to mandate the country's energy minister to start negotiations within 30 days on the potential sale to Ukraine of equipment that was intended for the scrapped Belene nuclear power plant.
"Energy independence and market stability are part of the security architecture of every country. Together, we can give our countries more guarantees of stability in the energy sector and price attractiveness for ordinary consumers," Zelenskiyy said in a social media post.