Clinton Thanks for Warm Welcome Sofia

In letters to President Peter Stoyanov and Prime Minister Ivan Kostov, US President Bill Clinton thanks for the warm welcome he and his daughter Chelsea received during their visit to Bulgaria in November. On January 10, Stoyanov received a letter from Clinton in which he reiterates his sincere thanks for the "warm welcome" and the "wonderful time" he and Chelsea spent in Bulgaria, adding that they were impressed by the "beautiful scenery". Clinton also says he was "honored to be the first U.S. President to visit Bulgaria." Kostov received a similar letter. "Chelsea and I enjoyed our time very much, and we were touched by the warm welcome we received." Clinton also thanks for the "beautiful gift" the Prime Minister presented to him, a copy of a 10th century ceramic icon of St Theodorus Stratilatus. The gift "is a special reminder of our visit to your wonderful country, and we appreciate your thoughtfulness," Clinton says. In a previous letter to Kostov in December, Clinton congratulated Bulgaria on the invitation to open accession negotiations with the European Union.

President Clinton expressed support for the Bulgarian Government's course of reforms during his visit in Sofia, November 21-23, 1999. "Let me say to people in the United States, Europe and all over the world who will see this tonight on television -- this is a wonderful country, come here and help Bulgaria build the future,''  Clinton said to huge applause in St. Alexander Nevski Square in Sofia. He was also clearly moved by his welcome in Bulgaria when he addressed a 30,000-strong rally on Monday to mark 10 years of Bulgaria's transition from communism to democracy.

Tens of thousands packed the central square under the glittering Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky -- the same spot where mass rallies 10 years ago led to the overthrow of the Communist regime -- and celebrated the visit with music and fireworks.

"I am very proud to be the first American president to visit Bulgaria -- a free Bulgaria," President Clinton told the crowd in a 45-minute speech. "I am proud to stand in this place where voices were silenced for too long."

He also stressed the importance of the implementation of the Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe. He was speaking during a press availability here Monday after a session with Bulgarian Prime Minister Ivan Kostov which took longer than scheduled.

"I think it is very important for the United States to support Bulgaria's aspirations for political, military and economic integration into the West and to support the Stability Pact and the economic and political revitalization of all of Southeastern Europe," Clinton said.

"I want to say how strongly I support and admire the political, economic and military reforms that the Bulgarian Government has undertaken," the US Chief Executive said. He thanked Bulgaria for the support that Europe and the United States received from this country during the recent difficulties in Kosovo. He is also especially grateful for "Bulgaria's policy and history of tolerance and cooperation among different groups of people within this country. If that had been the policy of Serbia in these last fifteen years, we would have been living in a very different and better time," Clinton observed.

Very important initiative was made by President Clinton on November 12 when he submitted to Congress a request to allow duty-free treatment for a number of key imports from Bulgaria and other Balkan countries.

At Sarajevo on July 30, 1999, President Clinton asked Secretary of Commerce William Daley to bring American companies into Southeast Europe to explore new business opportunities and create partnerships that would allow them to participate in the rapid development we all expect to see. Secretary Daley met official delegations and Southeast European companies in Sofia, November 1 & 2, 1999. Accompanying Secretary Daley were: Jeff Miller, Vice President, Export-Import Bank's (EXIM) Group, George Munoz, President and CEO, Overseas Private Investment Corporation,  J. Joseph Grandmaison, Director, U.S. Trade & Development Agency.

Remarks by President Clinton and Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov in exchange of toasts at State Dinner

Remarks by President Clinton and Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov in photo opportunity

U.S. Initiatives to Assist Bulgaria and Southeast Europe

Press Briefing by National Security Advisor Samuel Berger and NSC Senior Director for Southeastern Europe Chris Hill

Remarks by President Clinton and Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov to the People of Bulgaria

Remarks by the President and Bulgarian Prime Minister Ivan Kostov in joint statements to the press

Fact Sheet: Achievements of the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe