The Bulgarian Prime Minister, Ivan Kostov, has suggested a new era is developing in his country's relations with Russia.

His remarks came at the end of a visit to Moscow during which agreements were signed on a number of cooperative ventures, including law enforcement against illegal financial operations.

Mr Kostov said there were no outstanding political problems and his visit had made it possible to end a period of uncertainty.

He said Bulgaria regarded Russia as a strategic partner. The Russian Prime Minister, Sergei Stepashin -- in his account of the talks -- said agreement had also been reached on technical, military cooperation.