Trump lauds friendship with Bulgaria as premier visits

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - President Donald Trump hailed Monday the U.S.'s "great friendship" with Bulgaria as Prime Minister Boyko Borisov visited the White House.

"They’re great people," Trump told reporters ahead of his bilateral meeting with Borisov. "We have a very good relationship."

Trump later said a visit to Bulgaria "could happen."

The leaders issued a lengthy joint statement following their meeting that addressed a broad range of issues that pledged to "dedicate ourselves to deepening our security cooperation and to promoting economic growth and prosperity for our two great nations," while "announcing measures intended to strengthen the strategic partnership" between Washington and Sofia.

That includes plans to deepen defense technology partnerships, including a commitment to conducting a "regular strategic dialogue," and a plan to send a U.S. technical team to Bulgaria to explore areas for further cooperation, including nuclear power.

Borisov said prior to the meeting that he expected Trump to resolve visa restrictions for Bulgarians.

The joint statement alluded to that request in stating Washington's support for "Bulgaria’s aspiration to join the Visa Waiver Program and welcomes Bulgaria’s continued progress toward meeting the statutory requirements for designation as a program partner."