Malta has offered to help Bulgaria prepare for the adoption of the euro, Foreign Minister Tonio Borg said today.

The two countries have been holding talks over the past few days during a state visit to Malta by Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov.

Malta is keen to see an improvement in trade exchanges and sees opportunities for Maltese companies to bid for contracts in Bulgaria. It is is also seeking an increase in tourism, with arrivals from Bulgaria currently just over 5,000 per year.

Dr Borg said in a meeting with Bulgarian officials that Malta had backed and assisted Bulgaria join the EU and looked forward to further political and commercial cooperation.

A cooperation agreement which will govern the growth of relations was signed at the Foreign Ministry this morning.

The Bulgarian President is due to have talks with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi later today.

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