Dutch European integration minister Frans Timmermans visited Bulgaria on September 11 to meet Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ivailo Kalfin and European Integration Minister Gergana Grancharova.

Kalfin and Timmermans discussed Bulgaria's integration into the EU as well as the European Reform Treaty.

Bulgaria intended to be a constructive partner in negotiations on the European Reform Treaty, a Bulgarian Government media office statement said.

On relations between the EC and the Western Balkans, Timmermans and Kalfin discussed Bulgaria's role in finding a solution for the status of Kosovo.

Bulgaria had made progress in reform of the judiciary system, and in fighting corruption and organised crime, Timmermans said.

Later the same day, Timmermans travelled to Romania, where he was scheduled to meet foreign minister Adrian Cioroianu to discuss bilateral relations between the Netherlands and Romania, the European Reform Treaty, European Neighbourhood Policy, migration, and climate and energy policy, a Dutch foreign ministry media statement said.

On Wednesday, Timmermans travelled to Albania for meetings with prime minister Sali Berisha and European integration minister Majlinda Bregu. Timmermans will end his tour of the region by attending the international football match between Albania and the Netherlands in Tirana.