President Nicusor Dan congratulated on Monday Iliana Iotova, the winner of Bulgaria's presidential election and conveyed to her that he is looking forward to welcoming her on an official visit to Romania and that neighbouring countries 'have much to do' when it comes to the security in the Black Sea region.

'Congratulations to Iliana Iotova on her election as President of Bulgaria! I look forward to continuing our close work together and to deepening cooperation between our countries. As neighbours, EU partners and NATO allies, there is much we can do together for the security and development of our region, starting with the Black Sea. I look forward to welcoming President Iotova to Romania soon,' the head of state wrote on X platform.

Iliana Iotova won Bulgaria's presidential election on Sunday, according to several exit polls, as reported by AFP, Reuters and dpa.

With a result ranging from 52.5% to 59%, according to these polls, she is significantly ahead of her rival Andrey Gurov, who is estimated to have secured between 38% and 44% of the vote, AFP reports.

Reuters, which in turn quotes two exit polls, puts Iotova on 51% of the vote and Ghiurov on 43-45%.

The final results are expected on Monday, after all the votes have been counted. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Oana Ghita; EN - writing by: Rodica State)