Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov said on Monday after meeting with visiting Ukrainian counterpart Pavlo Klimkin that the Balkan country supports Ukraine's peaceful settlement of conflict and closer ties with the European Union.

Mitov reaffirmed the Bulgaria's position in support of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as the peaceful settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, he said at a joint press conference.

"Of course, we all look with hope to the results of the agreement signed in Minsk," Mitov said.

"I am glad and encouraged by the opinion of my counterpart that the agreement really gives a chance for the first steps in terms of de-escalation of the conflict," Mitov said.

Mitov affirmed that Bulgaria, a member of the EU and NATO since 2007 and 2004 respectively, supports Ukraine's course for closer ties with the European Union and and the NATO, he said.

"Bulgaria is ready to offer its support and expert assistance in this very challenging process, which Ukraine needs to go in the name of stability and prosperity of its people," Mitov said.

Klimkin said that for Ukraine, the fulfillment of Minsk arrangements is the only path to peace.

"Unfortunately, the situation remains extremely tense," he added.