Close relations of friendship between Bulgaria and Russia no not depend on present-day developments after their history of 14 centuries, Sofia's Ambassador to Moscow has said.

Boyko Kotsev's remarks are a response to comments by a Russian diplomat, who at a commemorative ceremony marking an anniversary of the battle for Pleven (in the Russo-Turkish war of 1877-1878 which led to the independence of the Bulgarian Kingdom) hinted at pro-Western moves of Bulgaria over the past years.

Bulgaria sided with the EU on sanctions introduced against Russia over the Ukraine crisis, and has been a NATO member since 2004.

The Russian Foreign Ministry official also noted dialogue on "every level" is now much slower than before.

Kotsev, however, is quoted by RIA Novosti agency as praising Russia's military prowess which helped Bulgaria to liberate itself from the Ottoman Empire.

Tens of thousands of Russian soldiers lost their lives during the siege of Pleven, north central Bulgaria, late in the autumn of 1877.

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