Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and EU representatives discussed relations between Russia and Bulgaria and Romania in the context of the two countries' EU entry.

The new protocol will include Romania and Bulgaria in mechanisms for co-operation between Russia and the EU.

Mechanisms should take into consideration the changing international situation, said Lavrov as quoted by Bulgarian National Radio.

European commissioner for external relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner and high representative for the common foreign and security policy Javier Solana took part in the talks.

German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier also participated in the discussion, since Germany currently holds the EU presidency.

Co-operation between Russia and the EU is evolving, said Lavrov. One of the priorities for the near future is facilitated visa regime.

Steinmeier said that other topics of discussion should include the situation in the Middle East and Kosovo.