Reducing Bulgaria’s dependence on Russian energy supplies and curbing corruption in the Balkan state were in the focus of Thursday’s visit by US Secretary of State John Kerry in Sofia, the AP said.

Highlighting that Bulgaria must move in the direction of "diversifying supplies and distribution and increasing connectivity with neighbors," Kerry said the US was interested in helping the country take "practical steps to enhance energy security in Bulgaria and across Europe," the newswire said.

Moving ahead with an agreement with Westinghouse Electric to build a new reactor at Bulgaria’s  sole nuclear power plant Kozloduy and the possible construction of a natural gas pipeline interconnection with Greece were among the ideas being considered in Kerry’s meetings with top Bulgarian officials.

In its coverage of the visit the AP also highlighted Kerry’s words that in order "to realize its potential as a strong and modern and prosperous democracy Bulgaria must strengthen its rule of law and curb corruption.”

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