Year of Russia inaugurated in Bulgaria

SOFIA, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov and his visiting Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin inaugurated the Year of Russia in Bulgaria cultural festival on Thursday.

Speaking before an audience in the Bulgarian capital's National Palace of Culture, Parvanov said Bulgaria's membership of the European Union should not be interpreted as an obstacle in its efforts to achieve close ties with Russia.

"There is not a Russia-or-Europe dilemma," he said.

Putin, who arrived here Thursday on a two-day visit, said Russia respects Bulgaria's choices on such issues as security and feels happy about Bulgaria's accomplishments.

He highlighted the cultural and historical ties between Russia and Bulgaria, saying that Russia, while preparing the Year of Russia, wanted the event to be "cordial and frank."

He said the value of bilateral ties cannot be measured with monetary terms and has been impervious to the passage of time because "our brotherhood is bound by blood and comes from the heart."

"We know we have many friends in Bulgaria," said Putin, voicing hope that the ties will be elevated to a new high.