Germany is a key partner for Bulgaria, foreign minister Velislava Petrova said at a joint news conference in Berlin with her German counterpart Johann Wadephul. See our original report: Petrova to meet German foreign minister Wadephul in Berlin tomorrow.

Petrova began her remarks in German and thanked Germany for its warm welcome. Prime minister Rumen Radev's first visit was also to Berlin.

The minister said good political ties between the two countries are a solid base for closer cooperation. She named the economy, defence, infrastructure, energy, innovation and science as areas with big potential.

Europe must reduce its economic dependence on others, Petrova said. She said it needs other sources of energy and safe routes to bring them to Europe. Bulgaria and Germany can do more on transport links, she added, and Bulgaria has real advantages because of its location.

Ursula von der Leyen announced a new project for international connectivity in her State of the Union speech on 16 September. It will be discussed at a regional summit that Bulgaria will host next year, together with prime minister Rumen Radev. Preparations are going ahead in close contact with the European Commission.

"We will bring together political, financial and business leaders, and the European institutions, around one shared vision for lasting connectivity between Europe and Asia," Petrova said.

The aim is to move from political ambitions to concrete projects and real funding that will diversify Europe's supplies.