Tehran, May 12, IRNA � President Hassan Rouhani said Tuesday that Bulgaria can act as a bridge to join Iran and Europe to exchange energy.

Rouhani made the remark in a meeting with new Bulgarian Ambassador to Tehran.

Christo Polendakov submitted his credentials to the Iranian President this morning.

President Rouhani said Bulgaria enjoys an excellent geographical location in southeast of Europe, adding it can make a link between Iran and the European states in case of energy.

Referring to Tehran-Sofia ties that goes back to a hundred years ago, Rouhani hoped the two nations would strengthen cooperation.

He further expressed Iran's readiness to develop relations with Bulgaria in the areas of culture, tourism, economy and politics.

For his part, the new Bulgarian diplomat said he will make his all-out efforts to expand Tehran-Sofia relations during his tenure in Tehran.

Referring to his country as the Europe gate, he said Bulgaria can be a bridge between Iran, the region and Europe to exchange energy and goods.

Pointing to Iran's great cultural and historical places, he said the country can be a top destination for the tourists from the European countries.

At the end, the ambassador showed the photo of his father who had been Bulgarian ambassador to Iran three decades ago and had submitted his credentials to the then president Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

By IRNA