"The European and Euro-Atlantic orientation of Bulgaria and Armenia has turned into an important pillar of bilateral relations," Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov stated in the course of a working meeting with his Armenian counterpart Robert Kocharian. The two Presidents expressed satisfaction with political dialogue between their countries over the past years. In the course of the meeting the state leaders exchanged views about opportunities to activate trade and economic relations, which both felt had not reached the level of their political dialogue. One of the reasons for the lack of economic relations, according to the Presidents, was the lack of a through air service between the Bulgarian and Armenian capitals. They said they were ready to encourage their respective executive branches to resolve the issue. Parvanov and Kocharian discussed the two countries' relations in culture, education and science. The Bulgarian head of state underscored the need to open cultural and information centers in Sofia and Yerevan on a reciprocal basis. It should be reminded that on the invitation of G. Parvanov R. Kocharian lately paid a 5-day informal visit to Bulgaria.