Mr Putin and Mr Stanishev exchanged New Year greetings, noting that 2008 will be significant for both countries with events including the 130th anniversary of the liberation of Bulgaria and the Year of Russia in Bulgaria, the opening of which will coincide with a visit by the Russian President to Sofia.
The two leaders also discussed preparations for the Russian-Bulgarian summit planned for January 2008. Particular attention was given to important energy projects such as the Burgas-Alexandropoulis Pipeline and the Southern Stream project. Both leaders emphasised these projects’ strategic importance for guaranteeing Europe’s energy security.