"Some say they will implement a more balanced policy toward Russia. That's what we did with Rosen [Plevneliev]. The Euro-Atlantic line was up to him, pragmatic relations were up to me - [how] to bring [Russian] tourists back, how to repair [military] aircraft, ships, exports [to Russia] are now 14% bigger."

Bulgaria's policy on Russia was balanced while Rosen Plevneliev was in office as President and Boyko Borisov as Prime Minister, the latter has said.

The sitting head of state, who is leaving office this week, has often criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's policies, drawing fire from Borisov more than once.

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