Bulgaria's Minister of Energy, Economy and Tourism, Traicho Traikov, discussed with his Israeli counterpart, Stas Misezhnikov, the possibility to attract more Israeli citizens to Bulgaria's tourist destinations.

Traikov is part of the Bulgarian delegation, which is on an official visit to Israel Monday and Tuesday. The delegation is led by Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov.

A particular attention was given to the possibility to attract part of the 800 000 Israeli citizens, who travel to Turkey each year, to visit Bulgaria.

In comparison, just 105 882 Israeli tourists have visited Bulgarian in 2008.

It was announced after the meeting that Bulgaria will participate in the international travel expo in Tel Aviv on February 9 and 10.

The Energy Minister further met with the Israeli Minister of National Infrastructure, Uzi Landau, who is also in charge of the energy sector.

Traikov presented Bulgaria's experience in liberalizing the energy marker while Landau spoke about his country's success in using renewable energy sources.

Israel will be included in 2010 in joint projects from the “Intelligent Energy – Europe” program.