Bulgarian caretaker Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Marin Raykov told British Ambassador Jonathan Allen Tuesday that the two countries could cooperate closely on the implementation of the Nabucco gas pipeline project, stressing the importance of the scheme for Europe's energy security.

The development of potential gas fields in the Bulgarian Black Sea aquatory and the cooperation between Bulgaria and the UK in other economic spheres were also discussed during the meeting, according to reports of the press office of Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry.

"The Bulgarian government is making targeted efforts towards improving competitiveness and transparency in the energy sector" Raykov emphasized.

Jonathan Allen reiterated the assurances voiced by Prime Minister David Cameron last week that Bulgarian citizens would face no discrimination once the labor restrictions were lifted.

He also pointed out that Bulgarians living in the UK had a contribution to the economic development of the country.

Raykov, in turn, noted that Bulgarian citizens did not pose an immigration threat and thanked for the stance of Foreign Secretary William Hague presented to him in a letter last week.

Meanwhile, Raykov and France's Ambassador to Bulgaria Philippe Autie discussed Tuesday the cooperation between the two countries in the political, economic and cultural spheres.

"Bulgaria relies on France's support, as well as the support of our other European partners, in the efforts of the government to negotiate with the EC the redirection of EU funds towards programs for combating youth unemployment," Raykov stated.

He also dwelt on possibilities for bilateral cooperation in the spheres of energy, construction and agriculture.

"The Bulgarian government is doing its best to maintain financial stability and to pave the way for positive changes in the sphere of energy and regulatory regimes. In this line of thought, French investments and the experience of companies like Total are of huge importance to us" Raykov emphasized.

He acquainted Autie with the main priorities of Bulgaria's caretaker government.

"France fully supports the Bulgarian government in the implementation of its goals," Autie stated.

He handed Raykov letters of congratulations by President Francois Hollande, Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and Interior Minister Manuel Valls.

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