The Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev officially inaugurated Sunday the renovated "Saints Konstantin and Elena" shrine in the Turkish city of Odrin.

The renovation costs over EUR 500,000 and the funds have been donated by the Bulgarian State. An estimated 4,000 Bulgarians arrived in Odrin to participate in the shrine's inauguration. The ceremony coincides with one of the biggest Christian holidays - the Day of the Holy Cross

At the ceremony Stanishev declared that Bulgaria was going to continue the state policy for the renovation and preservations of Bulgarian churches abroad.

"Saints Konstantin and Elena" is the second renovated Bulgarian church in Odrin. The Bulgarian cemetery in the city is also currently being renovated as part of the new tolerant relations between Turkey and Bulgaria, according to the PM.

Stanishev further talked about Bulgaria's efforts to alleviate the visa regime and to facilitate the entrance of Turkish citizens on the country, adding that as an European Union member, Bulgaria must follow the Union's directives and requirements.

During his visit in Odrin the Bulgaria Premier also visited the Sultan Selim mosque.

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