Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov is on a two-day state visit to Malta accompanied by Mrs Parvanova.

He was greeted yesterday at the airport by President George Abela, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and members of the Cabinet, and was given a ceremonial welcome by an AFM Guard of Honour.

He later held talks with President Abela, where they discussed bilateral and EU relations, particularly trade relations between the two countries.

Dr Abela reiterated Malta's pledge to help Bulgaria in its bid to join the Eurozone and the Schengen area, saying that the integration of the Balkan region into the European family was in the best interest of both.

President Paranov said he was pleased to note that Bulgaria and Malta were on the same page on the most important issues facing the European Union today, such as the Lisbon Treaty, the enlargement policy with respect to the Balkan region and also the synergy of Black Sea and Mediterranean policies as guarantees of lasting peace in the European Union.