Bulgaria received support for the abolition of US visas
21 September 2013 News
Bulgaria has my support and I will lobby for the abolition of visas for Bulgarian citizens who want to visit the US, Senator Christopher Murphy, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on European Affairs, said during his meeting with Kristian Vigenin. Bulgarian Foreign Minister stressed that the country adheres to the requirements set by the US and expects visas to be removed in the near future. Senator Murphy said that he is aware of the situation and Bulgaria can rely on his understanding and support.
On the last day of his working visit to Washington, Minister Kristian Vigenin visited the Holocaust Memorial Museum and spoke with the Museum Director, Sara Bloomfield. The Minister stressed that this year Bulgaria celebrates the 70th anniversary of the rescue of Bulgarian Jews, which is an act of national pride. According to Vigenin, the rescue is a not only a merit of the whole society, but a symbol of tolerance. The history of the Holocaust should not be forgotten, especially in a time of increased aggressions towards those who are different, Minister Vigenin said.
Kristian Vigenin and the Bulgarian delegation held conversations with Karen Donfried, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Europe at the National Security Council of the United States, and with Michael McCaul, theChairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security. The Minister emphasized the excellent relations between Bulgaria and the US, which in recent years have witnessed a significant development and have reached the level of a strategic partnership. He stressed that one of the reasons for his visit to Washington is the 110th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Kristian Vigenin gave high assessment of the cooperation with the US special services on issues of security and counter-terrorism. He informed the hosts of the progress in the investigation of the Burgas bombing last summer.
According to Vigenin one of the issues to which Bulgaria is seeking assistance from its partners, is the increasing flow of Syrian refugees to the country. He stated that it is the first time Bulgaria encounters such problem and the government seeks the most effective solutions. According to Vigenin, this is not only a humanitarian issue but it also poses security risks for Bulgaria and Europe, given the potential for terrorists entering the territory.
Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, expressed his satisfaction with the investigation of the Burgas bombing. McCaul welcomed the opportunity to train Libyan military troops in the joint Bulgarian-US military facilities in Novo Selo.
Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin participated also in a discussion on the Syrian crisis and its impact on Bulgaria and Europe, organized by the European Institute in Washington. During the event, Minister Vigenin welcomed the agreement reached between US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to place Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile under UN supervision and to destroyit by mid- 2014.
Issues such as law enforcement, visa cooperation in security, counter- terrorism, organized crime and drug trafficking were discussed at interagency meetings that took place at the US Department of State.
At the end of the second day of his working visit, Minister Vigenin participated in the opening of the fifth season of the " Bulgarian Music Society" in Washington, held at the hall of the Bulgarian Embassy. The Minister addressed the participants as people who build bridges of communication between the two countries. He also congratulated the activities of the Bulgarian Embassy, highlighting the good work of Ambassador Poptodorova. In his words, the welcoming attitude towards our country and the implementation of the dynamic program of the visit are a result of the active work of the Ambassador and her colleagues.
More photos
