Bulgaria is starting a process of decentralization, and it can make good use of Switzerland's know-how, according to President Rosen Plevneliev.

Plevneliev welcomed in Sofia Thursday Hans Altherr, President of the Council of States of Switzerland, the smaller and upper house of the Swiss Federal Assembly, the Bulgarian Presidency press service reported.

Plevneliev and Altherr have praised the excellent bilateral relations, stating the institutions of Bulgaria and Switzerland should ensure that the ties between the two states remain that way.

Bulgaria's head of state has expressed gratitude for the Swiss development aid to Bulgaria granted as part of Switzerland's contribution to the new EU member states, and amounting to CHF 76 M.

Plevneliev has presented to Altherr what is said to be the planned administrative decentralization in Bulgaria, the Presidency said, apparently referring to the very recent and still controversial plan of Deputy PM and Finance Minister Simeon Djankov to disperse state agencies and government ministries around the country.

"Bulgaria will be implementing consistently a process of decentralization and directing resources to its regions. This is part of the process of forming and standing up for national priorities within the multi-annual financial framework of the EU for the 2014-2020 programming period," Plevneliev told Altherr.

He has also declared Bulgaria's gratitude for the Swiss expertise during Bulgaria's preparation for accession to the visa-free Schengen Area as well as hopes that Bulgaria and Switzerland will sign soon a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.

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