Bulgaria and Croatia agreed joint positions on migrant crisis, EU enlargement, Schengen membership
03 May 2016 News
“The coordinated positions of Bulgaria and Croatia and of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe are of priority importance in coping with the challenges facing the EU,” Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov said during the talks with his Croatian counterpart Miro Kovač. The meeting took place within the two-day official visit of Minister Mitov to the Republic of Croatia.
The two diplomats discussed the European integration of the Western Balkans, the migrant crisis, current issues on the international agenda, and the Bulgarian-Croatian relations.
The progress of the Western Balkan countries on the path of reform and European integration are particularly important for Bulgaria and Croatia. However, all criteria should be met in the interest of regional peace and stability and the EU and NATO accession of the countries of the region, agreed Minister Mitov and Minister Kovač. The Bulgarian Foreign Minister added that our country relies on Croatia's assistance as a link to the region and a successful model of EU accession.
The two ministers discussed issues of mutual interest within the EU, reaffirming their similar views on energy matters. Interconnectors are extremely important for the diversification of gas supplies to the two countries, the region and Europe, Minister Mitov and Minister Kovač pointed out. They talked about their countries' common goals - joining the Schengen area and the eurozone, reiterating their consistent mutual support for that.
Regarding the migrant crisis, Minister Mitov emphasized that Bulgaria is in favour of a common European solution while we are effectively protecting the EU's external border. For his part, Minister Kovač said his country relies on cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe to help achieve better coordinated positions on European foreign policy. He added that Bulgaria and Croatia wield a strong influence on this process, and that the two countries have reached a joint position on the need of sharing the burden of the migrant pressure among all EU Member States.
Bulgaria highly values its cooperation with Croatia within the South-East European Cooperation Process. "We are aware of Croatia's constructive role in strengthening regional security and promoting the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkan countries," Minister Mitov said during a discussion of regional cooperation. He also noted that Bulgaria and Croatia would work towards broadening their economic, communication, cultural and education contacts.
Later in the day Minister Mitov will hold a meeting with Parliament Speaker Željko Reiner and President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović.
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