Kristian Vigenin held talks with the Minister for European Affairs of France Thierry Repentin
18 January 2014 News
Minister of Foreign Affairs Kristian Vigenin welcomed at the MFA of the Republic of Bulgaria the French Minister for European Affairs, Thierry Repentin, who is visiting Bulgaria on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the emblematic breakfast of President François Mitterrand with a group of Bulgarian intellectuals, as well as on the official opening of the new building of the French Institute in Sofia.
The two ministers discussed key issues on the EU agenda. A particular emphasis was placed on the Mechanism for Cooperation and Verification, as well as on Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen area. Minister Vigenin pointed out that Bulgaria and France have similar positions on the topics, related to the future of Europe on which the two countries can cooperate effectively.
On the opening of the labor market from 01 January 2014, Minister Repentin emphasized that the French side will not accept any changes in its legislation that would prevent European citizens from exercising their right to work in France.
During the conversation, the French minister sought support from Bulgaria on the occasion of the forthcoming discussion in Brussels on the options for European action related to the intervention of France in the Central African Republic.
As regards the question raised by the French side on convening an emergency meeting of the EU Ministers of Agriculture in relation with the popular in France topic of importing genetically modified corn to the EU, Minister Vigenin confirmed Bulgarian consistent position against GMOs.
During the meeting, they exchanged also views on current international issues.
During his visit to Bulgaria, French Minister for European Affairs was also welcomed by President Rosen Plevneliev, Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski and Minister of Culture Dr. Peter Stoyanovich.