Daniel Mitov: Bulgaria and the Kingdom of the Netherlands share common positions on key issues on the EU agenda
07 October 2015 News
Bulgaria and the Netherlands share common positions on key issues on the EU agenda. We have laid the foundation of fruitful cooperation in the context of the forthcoming Dutch EU Presidency and in connection with the preparations of the Bulgarian presidency of the Council of the EU in 2018. This statement was made by Minister of Foreign Affairs Daniel Mitov during a joint press conference at the Foreign Ministry with his Dutch counterpart Bert Koenders who is on an official visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of Minister Mitov.
The Bulgarian top diplomat expressed satisfaction with the dynamic development of the trade and economic relations between the two countries. "The Netherlands is a very important economic partner of Bulgaria and the largest investor in the country. The total volume of direct investments amounts to over EUR 7 billion for 1996 – 2014 and this is the strongest affirmation of the high level of trust in our bilateral relations," said Minister Mitov. For his part Bert Koenders expressed willingness to strengthen the cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade and agriculture.
During the meeting, the two foreign ministers also discussed Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area. "Facing such unprecedented migratory pressures at the external borders, Bulgaria fulfills its responsibilities as Schengen area member state," said Daniel Mitov. The diplomats agreed that our country fulfills the technical criteria and is ensuring the security of the EU external borders. "It is obvious that everyone wants Bulgaria to become part of the Schengen area and I think that the implementation of the membership criteria is a good condition for a prompt solution to the situation," said Minister Koenders.
The talks also focused on topics of the current international agenda, including the situation in Russia and Ukraine, the so-called Islamic State and the war in Syria. "We must show solidarity and work together within the EU, as well as with Turkey and other countries in the region. This will provide the necessary and sufficient support for the refugees seeking asylum," the Dutch diplomat said. The two ministers agreed on the need to create hot spots near the conflict areas and reaffirmed the need for stronger measures to tackle human trafficking.
During the press conference Daniel Mitov and Bert Koenders reaffirmed the future cooperation in the preparation of the Bulgarian presidency of the Council of the EU by sending Bulgarian diplomats during the Dutch presidency, as well as by welcoming lecturers from the Clingendael Institute in Bulgaria.
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