Not only should the Franco-German motor of EU integration keep working, but it should switch to higher gear, Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev has said.

After his meeting with French counterpart Francois Hollande in Paris, Plevneliev has stressed the need for Franco-German cooperation in Europe in the aftermath of Britain's vote to leave the European Union, according to his press office.

Plevneliev has also stressed British authorities need to begin a "legitimate process" of withdrawal talks.

"We are all deeply concerned about the results of this referendum. From now on, however, we cannot allow uncertainty and should only look ahead," his press office quotes him as saying.

"If this is a divorce, it should happen in the most democratic way. We should remain friends and do everything so that, if they decide one day, our British friends come back to the family of European nations."

The Bulgarian head of state, however, has urged "decisive" action with regard to the triggering of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty on behalf of London, a move the UK government has not yet made.

Plevneliev and Hollande have discussed ways to build up trust in the EU, the latest developments regarding the migrant crisis, NATO cooperation, and the future of EU enlargement.

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