Bulgaria's Foreign Minister voiced his support for Iran-EU nuclear talks, and further stressed the need for the diplomatic solution of Iran's nuclear issue.

Deputy Foreign Minister for European and American Affairs Said Jalili met with Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Ivaylo Kalfin in Sofia on Tuesday, FARS news agency reported.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views about the two countries' international cooperation.

The Bulgarian foreign minister stressed the significance of the two countries' ties, and reiterated Sofia's support for Iran's talks with the European Union.

"We believe that Iran's nuclear issue should be resolved through diplomatic means and dialogue," he continued.

The top diplomat further stated that Bulgaria is willing to develop ties with Iran both in mutual form and within the framework of the European Union.

"Sofia believes that Iran, as a significant country in the Middle-East region and as an important member of the international community, can play a very constructive and active role in the settlement of many existing problems," he stressed. 

Jalili met with Bulgarian deputy Foreign Minister Feim Chaushev to study the two countries' political, economic, cultural and international cooperation.

During the meeting, Chaushev stressed Iran's significance for Bulgaria and said that development of ties with Iran sets Sofia's priority in the Middle-East and Central Asia.

He further pointed to the supply of energy as a very specific ground for the two countries' long-term cooperation.

The two sides also stressed the need for the expansion of ties in cultural grounds, endorsement of an agreement for cultural exchanges, increased sports relations and cooperation in tourism and exchange of tourists.

In the second round of talks on Monday night, the two officials discussed regional issues and developments and issues of concern for global community, including those in the Balkans, the Middle-East, Iraq and Afghanistan.

During their talks, the two sides called for Iran-Bulgaria cooperation at regional and international levels, given the close stances of the two countries in a large number of grounds.

Also Chaushev stated that considering his country's membership in the EU since early 2007, Sofia is inclined to help to establish closer ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the European Union.

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