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This meeting was a continuation of the dialogue the heads of state began at the Russian President’s residence Bocharov Ruchei in Sochi on September 19.

During their talks in Moscow, Mr Putin and Mr Parvanov exchanged opinions on further bilateral cooperation in the economic, investment, energy, military-technical and cultural sectors. They agreed to increase deliveries of Russian energy resources to Bulgaria. The heads of state also discussed the most pressing international issues, including the situation in the Balkans.

Following the talks, they held a joint news conference. Speaking to journalists, Mr Putin stressed that Russian businesses showed interest in the modernisation and privatisation of energy facilities in Bulgaria. This meant not only reconstruction of obsolete units of heating and nuclear plants, but also construction of new nuclear power plants and gas-distribution systems.

As for Bulgaria’s membership in NATO, Mr Putin expressed confidence saying it would give Bulgaria some advantages in its foreign policy, but would hardly improve the country’s security. He said any country is free to choose security systems it sees fit in such a sensitive and very important sphere.

The Russian President accepted Mr Parvanov’s invitation to attend the festivities to mark the 125th anniversary of Bulgaria’s liberation from the Ottoman Empire, to be held in 2003.