For the average reader, Venezuela (The Little Venice) is a country in South America to the east of the Equator, known for its beautiful girls that each year claim Miss World Titles, with an abundance of television serials and natural resources. Venezuela occupies fourth place in the world in the production of oil products and is currently head of the OPEC (Organisation of Petrol Exporting Countries). With its large petrol deposits, natural gas, diamonds, valuable metals and other natural riches Venezuela is a paradise on the Caribbean coast.

Despite the great distance between Bulgaria and Venezuela, I think that a strong interest in my country exists, which is not embodied only in its music, dance, merengue and salsa. A very typical feature is the people's spirituality. That is why I consider that we are alike, as Bulgarians have the same sense of enjoyment and happiness. There are many other similarities between Bulgarians and Venezuelans, one of which is the fondness and attraction that exists between people.

Bulgarians have participated in many of the political, economic and cultural processes in Venezuela. I always tell friends that I know bankers with Bulgarian origins who have contributed to the development of the Venezuelan economy and finances. I am familiar with Bulgarian politicians and I would like to highlight one of them, Teodor Petkov, who is a very intelligent man. He ran for the post of President of the Republic of Venezuela. That is why I am eager to say that many Bulgarians have played a very important role in the field of the Venezuelan economy and trade. In my opinion, the Bulgarian contribution to Venezuelan society is of great importance.

Diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Venezuela date from 1974. A very important step for stabilising those relations on a political level was last year's visit by National Assembly Speaker Ognyan Gerdjikov to Venezuela. It is impossible to delve into bilateral relations without knowledge of the necessary political frameworks and acquaintance with both political systems, as well as the mutual priorities for both countries. That is why the visit of the Bulgarian parliamentary delegation to Caracas aimed at setting and achieving concrete steps for the expansion of trade and economic co-operation.

The Mixed Commission was restored last year, which signed considerable agreements in 2001 during its visit to Venezuela. Concrete achievements are that the visa regime for Bulgarians travelling to Venezuela has been lifted. A very important contract was signed for the import of a large amount of ferrous ore to supply the Kremikovtsi metallurgic plant in exchange for railway carriages for the mine industry to be produced in Bulgaria. I am extremely satisfied that the deal is bilateral which guarantees equalisation of payments, and that is of interest to both sides. In the two years of my term in office some important visits have taken place. These include Deputy Foreign Minister Petko Draganov's visit to Caracas, and his counterpart Arevalo Mendez' visit to Sofia.

An important programme for the export of basic components for medicine production has been introduced. Bulgaria has the necessary experience and approved products for many medicines, which can be produced in Venezuela for internal needs in Latin America. A governmental programme with the regional co-operation of the mayors of Plovdiv and Assenovgrad for the acclimatisation of Venezuelan athletes in Bulgaria before the Olympics in Athens has also started.