Bulgaria and Spain share common views and approaches on the conflict situations close to the EU borders
12 May 2015 News
The Bulgarian government attaches significant importance to the active dialogue and cooperation with the Kingdom of Spain which is aimed at achieving our strategic objectives as allies and partners in NATO and the EU. This was stated by Minister Daniel Mitov at a joint press conference with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo y Marfil, who is paying an official visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of his Bulgarian counterpart.
Minister Margallo expressed gratitude for the reception in Bulgaria and also for the affirmation of friendship and solidarity that the Spanish side has always received during the regular meetings in Brussels.
The two ministers discussed matters on the EU agenda and shared common views and approaches on the severe conflicts close to our borders. This is particularly important and useful in such complex and tense moments for the security of Europe, in which Spain bears high responsibility, given the fact that it is a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, added Daniel Mitov.
As regards migration, Ministers Mitov and Margallo shared common concerns. Both countries are external EU borders and we need to cooperate, the Spanish Foreign Minister said. Bulgaria and Spain are facing very similar challenges within the EU and we are in favour of working very actively with third countries from which migration flows originate, Minister Mitov said.
Secondly, Daniel Mitov pointed out the need to work for the stabilization of the regions which generate instability and refugees waves. Third, the financing of the receiving countries should be distributed on a solidarity principle and fourth- the refugee flows should be distributed among all EU Member States because this phenomenon affects us all, not only Bulgaria and Spain, he said.
The foreign ministers discussed also ways for expanding the economic cooperation between the two countries. We have previously been beneficiaries of structural funds, regional development funds, and therefore we have significant experience in this field. There are Spanish companies that can help Bulgaria in particular sectors, where they have proven knowledge and experience, successfully applied in other countries, said Minister Margallo.
Minister Mitov expressed his gratitude for the hospitality of the Spanish people, business and the state, which became the second homeland for hundreds of thousands of Bulgarians - a living bridge between East and West Europe.
The foreign ministers signed an Agreement on cultural, educational and scientific cooperation between Bulgaria and Spain, Memorandum of Cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries and a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute and the Diplomatic School of Spain.
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