Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev (R, center) and Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov (L, center) walk before the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier in Sofia, capital of Bulgaria, March 4, 2019. Bulgaria and Russia here on Monday during a visit of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev expressed their willingness to further develop bilateral ties on the basis of traditional friendship and a wide range of opportunities. (Xinhua/Zhan Xiaoyi)

SOFIA, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Bulgaria and Russia here on Monday during a visit of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev expressed their willingness to further develop bilateral ties on the basis of traditional friendship and a wide range of opportunities.

There were deep historical, spiritual and cultural ties between the peoples of Bulgaria and Russia that have endured the trials of time, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said at his meeting with Medvedev.

"I believe that there is a political will and the necessary conditions for developing an equitable and mutually beneficial cooperation," Radev said at the beginning, which was open to reporters.

There were areas such as tourism, where relations were sustainable and promising, Radev said.

He added Russia has been Bulgaria's strategic partner in the energy sector, "where there is great potential for deepening our relations, of course, in keeping with important principles such as expedience, competitiveness, transparency, security of supply and especially important for Bulgaria -- a bargain price."

"I believe that the Bulgarian economy can offer much more to the Russian consumer who knows and appreciates the quality of a number of Bulgarian goods," Radev also said.

The two countries also had long traditions and huge prospects for development in education, science, culture, the Bulgarian president said.

"And last but not least, I believe that the Bulgarian-Russian dialogue contributes to the restoration of the trust between the European Union and Russia, which we all have an interest in," Radev said.

For his part, Medvedev said "We must, in my opinion, based on the special, good relations that exist between our peoples, make a qualitative leap in the development of our relations for the future."

"It is in our power to change everything," he said.

Energy cooperation remained the flagship of bilateral relationship, Medvedev said. "We continue to cooperate in this area, despite the fact that there were also problems there."

During Medvedev's visit, which will end on Tuesday, the two countries signed two protocols on social security, a program of collaboration in the tourism sector for 20192021, and a plan of consultations between the ministries of foreign affairs.??