The past year has been the most strenuous and saturated in Bulgaria's foreign policy since World War 2 and probably one of the most successful, read the report by Foreign Minister Solomon Passi on the Government's first year in office.

In the report issued on Friday, Passi noted that the major achievements of Bulgaria's foreign policy were the progress in negotiations on NATO and EU membership, the country's successful cooperation with its neighbours, the visa policies and the positive development of the trial against the Bulgarian medics in Libya.

Talking to reporters the same day, Passi said that his ministry had completed about one-fourth of the planned work, but had also to cope with unforeseen tasks. The September 11 events placed the entire world in a new and unpredictable situation, he said.

His report read that Bulgaria's NATO membership was now more visible than ever thanks to the decision of the Government to become a de-facto ally of the pact after September 11.

Another milestone in the country's foreign policy has been the progress in EU accession, the report noted. For the past year, Bulgaria managed to open all 30 negotiation chapters and close 20. "Even the European Commission recognised Bulgaria as a champion in negotiations," the document said.

Passi described Pope John Paul II's visit to Bulgaria as historical and as bringing Bulgaria closer to the Western world. At his meeting with President Georgi Purvanov, the Pope categorically denied the existence of a Bulgarian connection in the attempt on his life 20 years ago, Passi recalled.

His report also stated that Bulgaria's election as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in October 2001, made it possible for the country to play an active role in world policies.

Passi also reported about successful bilateral relations especially improving relations with Balkan countries, Russia and the Arab and Islamic world.

The foreign minister described the trial of Bulgarian medics in Libya as one of the greatest foreign political challenges and emphasised the progress made with the dropping of the charge of conspiracy against the Libyan state.

"Foreign activities are above all an internal matter. Therefore, internal consensus is a key to success in foreign policy," the report said.

Passi noted that, for the year, public support for Bulgaria's foreign political course increased to almost 70 per cent, regarding Bulgaria's membership in NATO, and to 80 per cent regarding the country's membership in the EU.