Instability in the Middle East puts strong migration pressure on Bulgaria and the EU
16 October 2014 News
Speaking at a regular meeting with the EU ambassadors in Sofia, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov said that instability in the Middle East puts strong migration pressure on Bulgaria and the whole European Union.
At the meeting hosted by the Italian Ambassador, Minister Mitov focused on the grave situation in Syria and Iraq which causes lasting instability and poses a serious risk for the neighbouring countries, the whole EU and global security. "Bulgaria supports all actions of our allies and partners against the terrorists from the Islamic State.”
Minister Mitov informed European Ambassadors of the strong migration pressure on Bulgaria. "Despite all the measures taken, the refugee flow has increased in the past year and we will seek support and assistance from the European Commission and our other partners," the Foreign Minister said.
The EU ambassadors and Minister Mitov also discussed the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg to be held on 20 October. Minister Daniel Mitov shared Bulgaria’s position on the situation in Ukraine. "The withdrawal of the Russian army, which officially was holding military exercises, from the border with Ukraine gives some hope for finding a solution to the conflict. At the same time, it is important for us to see Ukrainian government implements the important economic and political reforms after the formation of new Parliament in Kiev," the Foreign Minister said. He pointed out that Bulgaria follows closely the situation of the Bulgarian minority in Ukraine and maintains regular contacts with them.
European ambassadors in Sofia and the Bulgarian top diplomat discussed also cooperation in the energy sector, the EU enlargement policy and the Eastern Partnership.