Bulgarian Prime Minister meets Indian leaders (Lead: Bulgarian

Visiting Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev met President Pratibha Patil here today.

New Delhi, Sept 12 : Visiting Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev met President Pratibha Patil here today.

Stanishev's visit aims to revive economic ties between the erstwhile Cold War allies, which has been on the downslide since the break-up of the Soviet Union.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee also called on the Bulgarian leader.

Earlier today, Stanishev said that bilateral relations with India are excellent, but added that it was the duty of the governments of both nations to make them more pragmatic.

"Our political relations are excellent. But I believe it is the duty of the two governments to extend them to make them more pragmatic and see possibilities in bilateral investments in extending trade, and of course in scientific operations," Stanishev said after receiving a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

On Tuesday, Stanishev had expressed hope of energizing trade ties with India.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the present volume of bilateral trade, which is pegged now less than 100 million dollars per year, Stanishev said: "Perhaps it reflects the changes in our economies, trade partners and some other things but definitely is below the potential of the two countries."Stanishev is on a weeklong visit to India, and is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi this evening.

Several bilateral agreements are likely to be inked after the Indo-Bulgarian delegation level talks conclude here.

Both countries are expected to sign bilateral documents on economic co-operation, investment and legal assistance.

The visit by a Bulgarian head of Government is taking place after 27 years.

Stanishev is also scheduled to visit Agra, Bangalore and Chennai.

At present, India's bilateral trade with Bulgaria stands at 79 million dollars, with exports amounting to 40 million dollars and imports to 39 million dollars.

India exports machinery, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and non-ferrous metals to Bulgaria while inorganic chemicals, wheat, iron and steel machinery figures among India's imports.

ANI