The US Ambassador to the Republic of Bulgaria, Marcie Ries, has held a meeting with the Speaker of the Bulgarian Parliament, Mihail Mikov.

The news was reported by the Parliament's press office Wednesday.

The two have discussed current issues of bilateral relations between their countries and have confirmed mutual interest in expanding partnership in all sectors, including consolidation of parliamentary contacts and active partnership between the Bulgarian lawmaking institution and the US Embassy in Sofia.

In responding to interest voiced by the American diplomat, Mikov had presented the legislative priorities of Bulgaria's 42nd General Assembly, stressing on the already passed amendments in the sectors of social policies, youth unemployment, energy, and small and medium enterprises.

He has presented in more detail the currently-debated revision of State budget 2013.

Mikov, a "career MP" and former Interior Minister, has been elected on the ticket of the left-wing Bulgarian Socialist Party, BSP.

Meanwhile, Bulgarians have been staging for 48th days now anti-government protests with demands the Socialist-endorsed Cabinet of Prime Minister, Plamen Oresharski, resigns immediately over controversial appointments and dependencies from oligarchs.

Smaller pro-government protests are held daily as well. Recently, participants in them gathered in front of the US Embassy in Sofia to protest against perceived interference in their country's home affairs and the notorious extradition case of Bulgarian mother Gergana Chervenkova, requested by US prosecutors.