New Delhi: Bulgaria today (July 28, 2004) backed India's candidature for permanent membership of an enlarged UN Security Council and offered to become its "door" to the European Union as the two countries agreed to upgrade bilateral economic ties.

During wide-ranging talks visiting Bulgarian Foreign Minister Solomon Passy had with his Indian counterpart K Natwar Singh in New Delhi, the two sides agreed on the need for joint efforts to combat the menace of terrorism.

"We do support India for the permanent membership of the UN Security Council because this reflects the proper situation of the weight of India in international relations, not just in the region, but worldwide," Passy, who is on a three-day visit, said during a joint press interaction with Singh.

Observing that Bulgaria has just become a member of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) and has completed negotiations for EU membership as a leading candidate in the Balkan Peninsula, Passy said the "Indian friends" were told, "we shall be happy to become the door for India to the EU". Describing India-Bulgaria relations as "excellent" and based on age-old cultural and historical ties, Singh said there was unanimity of views on major issues, including on combating terrorism.

He said the Joint Economic Commission of the two countries would meet in November this year to identify areas of cooperation and chalk out specific strategies.