By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter

Ivaylo Kalfin, Bulgaria's deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs will arrive in Seoul next Wednesday to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral ties, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Thursday.

During his three-day stay, the official is scheduled to meet Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan, ministry spokesman Moon Tae-young told reporters.

During the talks, the two ministers will discuss ways to boost cooperation and solve pending issues such as a free trade agreement between South Korea and the European Union.

The two sides are expected to sign a treaty on economic cooperation and social security after the meeting, Moon said.

Kalfin will also make a courtesy call to Prime Minister Han Seung-soo and visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) which divides South and North Korea.

ksy@koreatimes.co.kr