Georgi Parvanov received congratulations on his election at the presidential election on November 18 from Macedonian President Boris Traykovski, French president Jacques Chirac and Ukraine President Leonid Kuchma. Traykovski expressed satisfaction with the promotion of bilateral cooperation and conviction that the development of the relations between Bulgaria and Macedonia will contribute to the stability in the region. In his letter the Ukraine President Kuchma expressed the hope that the friendship of the two countries will raise the living standards of the people and strengthen stability in Europe. French President Chirac pointed out his satisfaction with Parvanov’s determination to work for Bulgaria's accession to the EU and NATO. The French President confirmed his country’s willingness to assist Bulgaria in the accession process.