UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has praised Bulgaria for its deepening international solidarity and commitments during talks with the Bulgarian leadership in Sofia.

Ban Ki-moon's three-day visit in Bulgaria started with a welcome meeting with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov.

"Strong leadership and a strong commitment for joint work are the main thing. The Prime Minister and I are convinced of the need for international cooperation. Today more than 600 Bulgarian troops are serving in Afghanistan. From a recipient of foreign aid Bulgaria is becoming a donor. You are now sharing your experience with the people in North Africa and the Middle East. The spirit of solidarity can be felt in Bulgaria. The celebration of the Bulgarian Army Valor Day on May 6 will demonstrate the active role of the Bulgarian military in peace-keeping missions around the world," the UN Secretary-General said after meeting Borisov.

Ban hailed what he described as strong leadership and political will in Bulgaria and the joint work of the Bulgarian government with the UN and the EU, especially the efforts areas such as fighting organized crime and corruption, which have been recognized by the European Commission and the US State Department.

The UN chief thanks the Bulgarians for the warm welcome he is given in the country. The topics that he discussed with Prime Minister Boyko Borisov include the future of the Western Balkans, the situation in the Middle East, climate change, and the fight against trans-national and local organized crime and corruption.

Ban pointed out he is especially proud to be the first acting UN Secretary-General to visit Bulgaria after its transition to democracy. He said he was honored to be in Bulgaria for the Army Valor Day, May 6, which is celebrated as Gergyovden, or the Day of St. George in the Bulgarian Orthodox tradition.

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