Bulgaria has a “very good dialogue” with Russia at the moment despite the uncertainties about the construction of the three large-scale joint energy projects, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Speaking almost simultaneously but independently of one another on Wednesday, both Foreign Minister Nikolay Mladenov and Foreign Minister Spokesperson Vesela Cherneva declared that Bulgaria and Russia were enjoying wide-ranging and pragmatic relations based on fruitful dialogue.

Their comments come a few days after Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov suggested strongly that the country might give up the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline, a joint project of Bulgaria, Russia, and Greece, because it was “economically unfeasible” and potentially environmentally disastrous. In addition, Borisov said Bulgaria would be freezing the construction of the Belene nuclear power plant because of its cost until it finds a strategic foreign investor. His statements have spurred negative reactions in the Russian media.

“Our dialogue with Russia is very good at the moment. We got no reasons to worry. We have constant communication with them on all matters,” Foreign Minister Nikolay Mladenov declared Wednesday when asked about the consequences of Borisov’s remarks on Bulgaria’s relations with Russia.

“Our relations with Russia are not based on one single project even if it a large energy project. I think the Russians will want to develop their relations with us because both nations can benefit from that,” Mladenov said reiterating the Prime Minister’s statement that the final decision about whether to go ahead with the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline will be made once the internationally sanctioned environmental assessment of the project is ready.

According to latest projects of the government, the assessment is expected to be ready in September 2010, a delay from the previously announced date of late June/early July.

“We are not viewing the energy projects as part of our political relations with Russia,” declared at about the same time Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Vesela Cherneva, while also pointing out that the two countries enjoyed good relations on all levels.

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