    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [February 10, 1998]
    [Pages 203-204]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement on the United States-Bulgarian Partnership for a New Era
    February 10, 1998

        President Clinton and President Petar Stoyanov met at the White House today to discuss the
    strengthening of U.S.-Bulgarian relations as well as mutual efforts to
    enhance cooperation in Southeast Europe and advance Bulgaria's
    integration into the European and transatlantic communities, including
    NATO.
        President Clinton noted the historic changes that have taken place
    in Bulgaria over the last year and the key role played by President
    Stoyanov. During his tenure, Stoyanov's
    Bulgaria has aligned itself firmly with the family of democratic
    nations, moved forward with difficult economic reforms, strengthened its
    civic institutions, stepped up its fight against organized crime and
    enhanced cooperation with its neighbors. The two presidents committed
    themselves to building a partnership that reflects a new era in
    Bulgarian-American relations.
        President Clinton reaffirmed America's commitment to NATO's ``Open
    Door'' policy and welcomed Bulgaria's aspiration to NATO membership. The
    two Presidents agreed that Bulgaria's engagement in the Partnership for
    Peace, enhanced dialogue with NATO and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership
    Council were key tools to making Bulgaria the strongest possible
    candidate for NATO membership.
        The United States will continue to support Bulgaria's efforts to
    consolidate its democratic and free market reforms, including Bulgaria's
    engagement with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The
    United States and Bulgaria are committed to reinforcing implementation
    of the Dayton Accords. They also have a common interest in expanding
    mutual trade and investment and encouraging the development of multiple
    routes for energy from the Caspian Basin.
        The centerpiece of the visit was the announcement of a new U.S.
    Action Plan for Southeast Europe. The Action Plan will give further
    dynamism to U.S. cooperation with countries in the region in such areas
    as promoting peaceful resolution of disputes, combating organized crime
    and consolidating democratic and economic reforms. President
    Stoyanov expressed full support for the
    Action Plan and committed Bulgaria to doing its part.

    U.S.-Bulgaria Work Program

        The two presidents noted with approval the detailed U.S.-Bulgaria
    work program that will translate the Southeast Europe Action Plan into
    concrete projects in the areas of economic and commercial concerns,
    political-military affairs and law enforcement cooperation.
        President Stoyanov welcomed continuing
    U.S. assistance which plays a key role in facilitating Bulgaria's
    transition to democratic and free market structures. President Clinton
    applauded Bulgaria's commitment to accelerating privatization and
    affirmed continued U.S. support through

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    various bilateral assistance programs. Over the past seven years, the
    United States has provided Bulgaria with over $235 million in assistance
    under the Support for East European Democracy Program (SEED) to advance
    fundamental economic and political reforms.

                The program for this year, budgeted at $31 million, will
                focus on ensuring the development of a free-market economy
                and strengthening democratic institutions.
        In view of the improved reform environment in Bulgaria, the United
    States and Bulgaria have identified several new priority areas for
    cooperation: reinforcing the rule of law, strengthening financial
    markets and encouraging the development of civil society. In this
    regard, the two Presidents agreed to:

                Deepen cooperation between their countries' respective law
                enforcement agencies in the struggle against terrorism,
                narcotics trafficking, money laundering and illicit arms
                transfers. The United States announced an increase in funds
                dedicated to providing criminal law enforcement training.

                Project intellectual property rights, including a commitment
                by President Stoyanov to seek strict enforcement of
                Bulgarian legislation and strengthen cooperation among
                relevant Bulgarian institutions in the fight against
                intellectual property piracy.
        Develop a new education curriculum in Bulgaria to promote
                democratic values with a grant of $250,000 from the United
                States Information Agency.
        On the military front, the Department of Defense has
                developed a number of programs to support the reform of the
                Bulgarian military along Western lines, including for this
                year:
        A $900,000 International Military Education and Training
                program that has eleven Bulgarian cadets studying at U.S.
                military academies;
        A $3.2 million dollar Foreign Military Financing program;
                and,
        A military liaison team resident in the Bulgarian Ministry
                of Defense to organize staff and information exchanges.

    Regional Cooperation

        In an effort to breakdown barriers and encourage regional
    cooperation, the United States and Bulgaria, together with several other
    stable democracies, are engaged in a number of cooperative efforts such
    as the Southeast European Cooperative Initiative, the South Balkan
    Development Initiative and the annual Southeastern European Defense
    Ministerial.
        The Southeast European Cooperative Initiative (SECI) aims to
                enhance regional cooperation, commerce and development. It
                is pursuing plans for improvement of operations at border
                crossings, models to finance energy efficiency projects, and
                promotion of small and medium-sized enterprise development.
        The $30 million South Balkan Development Initiative (SBDI)
                seeks to energize the efforts of Albania, Bulgaria and the
                FYR Macedonia to upgrade their transportation systems and
                develop a regional approach to transport planning.
        The Southeastern European Defense Ministerial brings the
                Defense Ministers of the region together with other
                interested countries to discuss issues of common concern and
                develop projects for the year aimed at promoting regional
                cooperation and confidence building. Bulgaria hosted the
                last Ministerial in October 1997, which resulted in 27
                follow-on activities.
        These bilateral and multilateral initiatives will advance our shared
    goal of a Europe whole, free and at peace. They will also promote the
    integration of Bulgaria and the other stable democracies of Southeastern
    Europe into the European and transatlantic mainstream.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.