Justice minister Nikolay Naydenov and French ambassador Marie Dumoulin have agreed to swap experts in several areas of law, after a meeting focused mainly on judicial reform. The justice ministry's press office said this in a statement.
The exchange will cover juvenile justice, preventing and tackling domestic violence, seizing criminal assets, and fighting corruption and organized crime.
Naydenov laid out what he sees as the top priorities for reform: electing a new Supreme Judicial Council, a tougher anti-corruption system, a prosecution service that reports more and works better, and e-justice. The two also discussed planned changes to the law and the constitution meant to make the judiciary work better and stay independent.
The ministry said Naydenov stressed the need for lasting rules on how judicial bodies operate, more transparency, and real protection of citizens' rights.
In late August, Naydenov met US chargé d'affaires Martin McDowell. They discussed working together on serving sentences and protecting witnesses, help with drones, cameras and other equipment, staff training, and better prison conditions.