The security of our borders is a priority of the Bulgarian government
12 May 2011 News
“For The Netherlands Bulgaria is an important partner in the EU and reliable allay in NATO. I am impressed by the huge achievements in the economic and in the social sphere of your government and your people”, said the Netherlands Minister for European Affairs and International Cooperation Ben Knappen during a joint press conference with the Bulgarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Nickolay Mladenov.
The main issues, the two ministers discussed during the talks, were the Bulgaria’s preparation for the accession to the Schengen area, the progress in the reform of Bulgarian judicial system and the fighting against corruption as well as the situation in the Middle East and North Africa.
Minister Knappen congratulated the Bulgarian Government for all achieved so far considering the preparation for the accession to the Schengen area and for the ongoing efforts in this point. He emphasized that he is assured of the strong commitment of the Bulgarian country toward fulfilling the standards of the whole sphere, connected to the rule of the law. “The most important for us is to be certain that the progress here is a long-lasting, sustainable and irreversible process” said minister Knappen and added that he has no doubts about the motivation and political will of the people in Bulgaria, working on the issue.
On his behalf, the Bulgarian Foreign Minister assured his Dutch guest that Bulgaria’s efforts to meet the Schengen entry criteria will be continued even after the accomplishment of this purpose. “Our borders security is a priority for the Bulgarian government”, said minister Mladenov. He also pointed out the close partnership between Bulgaria and the Netherlands in number of areas.