By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter

South Korea and Bulgaria agreed Monday to boost economic and cultural exchanges, while strengthening cooperation on climate change, green growth and other global issues.

President Lee Myung-bak and Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov made the agreement at a summit at Cheong Wa Dae, the presidential office said in a press release.

On the sidelines, the two governments also signed pacts to push for stronger ties in the military and security sectors and sharing information on geopolitical issues of mutual concern.

Topics at the summit also included the free trade agreement between Korea and the European Union, and North Korea's nuclear program.

Parvanov arrived in Korea Sunday for a three-day state visit, becoming the first Bulgarian head of state to visit Seoul since 1995. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1990.

The summit also focused on preparing joint programs to celebrate the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

``The Korea-EU FTA, which is expected to take effect next year, will help boost trade between Korea and East Europe,'' President Lee said. ``I hope this visit will pave the way for a stronger partnership between Korea and Bulgaria in culture, tourism and education.''

Upon arrival in Korea, President Parvanov visited cultural relics in the southeastern ancient capital city of Gyeongju and the adjacent industrial complexes.

He hoped his country will share Korea's experience of rapid economic growth and increase bilateral economic exchanges, Korean officials said.

Today, he will deliver a speech on upgrading Korea-Bulgaria relations during a business forum co-hosted by the Bulgarian embassy in Seoul and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

jj@koreatimes.co.kr