Sofia, September 11 (BTA) - Georgia's State Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Viktor Dolidze, is paying a visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Conferring with the guest on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister for Judicial Reform and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva said that Bulgaria has always supported Georgia in its European development and will continue to do so.

"A priority of the incumbent EU Presidency Trio of Estonia, Bulgaria and Austria is the European prospect of the West Balkans and the Eastern Partnership countries. This is a fundamental foreign policy priority of Bulgaria's government, too, not only because of the forthcoming presidency," Zaharieva said as quoted by her ministry.

"The European future is the only way the countries in the Western Balkans and those from the Eastern Partnership can enjoy a stable and democratic development. It is important for the citizens of the applicant states to receive a political message showing appreciation for the efforts their governments make for political reform. This is particularly important for young people who can then see a clear perspective and the meaning of difficult reforms," Zaharieva underscored.

She added that Georgia should press on with reforms. She congratulated Dolidze on his country's constitutional, judicial and administrative reform.

Dolidze voiced appreciation for Bulgaria's support and the positive assessment of his country's efforts.

The sides also discussed bilateral relations, energy and infrastructure connections, as well as security in the Black Sea area.

The Bulgarian side expressed its support for Georgia's future NATO membership.

Dolidze also conferred with Deputy Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov, the Defence Ministry reported. The talks focused on Georgia's desire of EU and NATO integration, as well as on bilateral relations in the field of defence and other matters of mutual interest.