World Bulletin/News Desk

Turkey's European Union Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis on Friday met with Bulgarians of Turkish origin in Kardzhali as part of his visit to Bulgaria.

Speaking at the meeting Bagis said different religious and ethnic groups lived in peace and cooperation in Kardzhali, adding that Bulgaria's Turks who had suffered greatly in the past now lived in a free and democratic environment in Bulgaria, making valuable contributions to Bulgaria's economy, politics, prosperity and security as well as serving as a bridge between Turkey and Bulgaria.

Bagis also said Bulgaria's Turks should remain loyal to their country to which they are bound by citizenship while at the same time protect their ethnic, cultural and religious values.