The Bulgarian Prime Minister, Simeon Saxe-Coburg, who is in Romania for a two-day visit, has discussed the prospects of Nato membership for the two countries with his host, President Ion Iliescu.

Mr Saxe-Coburg said their nations had to help each other to achieve their goal of joining the alliance.

President Iliescu said that their bids for Nato membership were carried out in a spirit of partnership, not competition.

The two countries hope to receive invitations to join Nato at an alliance summit in November.

Following his meeting with President Iliescu, Mr Saxe-Coburg - who is Bulgaria's former king - had lunch with the former Romanian monarch, King Michael.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service