Effective cooperation is key to successfully solving the problems in the Mediterranean
08 September 2016 News
"Intensifying the dialogue between the countries from the Mediterranean, the Middle East and North Africa and Europe is key. We need to focus on strengthening our efforts in the area of security," Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov said during the Conference for Security and Stability, which is held in Rhodes. The conference is organized on the initiative of the Hellenic Republic with the participation of EU member states, Southern Mediterranean countries and relevant factors from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
“Our talks focused on migration, fight against radicalization and extremism, the situation in Syria, environmental security and cyber security, as well as security in the energy sector," Bulgarian Foreign Minister said. He called for more detailed discussion of the measures to stabilize the MENA region. "The message is clear - the solutions of the problems should come from the countries from the region," he said, adding that there is a need of frank and open dialogue with our partners on how we can be helpful in finding common solutions.
"When providing aid to third countries we should pay attention to both the improvement of economic conditions, and the establishment of effective institutions. This will create an environment that would allow people in those countries to stay there and seek their future in their own countries, "Minister Mitov said. He added that we need to put efforts in implementing good governmental practices, which is part of the UN Development agenda.
"We are working with all countries close to the EU, including Turkey, in order to achieve reliable and sustainable solutions that will allow all the countries to be capable of managing their borders," Daniel Mitov said. He explained that the countries which have difficulties with migration flows - such as Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon - should be supported in dealing with the problem. "Today Europe has the task to reestablish itself and to achieve deeper integration. One of the areas where we can work to achieve better integration is exactly the area of migration," Bulgarian Foreign Minister said.
Daniel Mitov emphasized that one of the numerous opportunities for increasing cooperation is the energy cooperation. “It can foster regional political cooperation, and help to enhance peace and prosperity in Eastern Mediterranean region. EU foreign policy should assist in ensuring that energy resources can be an incentive for promoting mutually beneficial cooperation,” he said.