site.btaSpanish PM Rajoy Lauds Bulgarian EU Council Presidency

Sofia, May 15 (BTA) - Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy arrived on a two-day visit to Bulgaria on Tuesday at the invitation of Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.

Speaking at a news conference after his meeting with Borissov, Rajoy said that the Bulgarian EU Council Presidency is undoubtedly among the most successful ones, while the topics on the European agenda are of huge significance for Europe's future.

The Spanish Prime Minister also praised the way many important questions for all European citizens are being addressed during the Bulgarian Presidency, citing as examples issues related to Brexit and Europe's future.

Rajoy singled out the next Multiannual Financial Framework among the challenges facing the EU because it will be the Union's first after Brexit. He pledged support to Borissov regarding the Cohesion Policy which, in his words, must continue to be a main pillar of European integration. The guest listed digital technologies, environment and the migration crisis as other important policies.

The Spanish head of government said that the "excellent state" of bilateral relations had been noted during his session with Borissov. "The thousands of Bulgarians living in Spain are a wonderful example of integration into our society," Rajoy said. He also stressed the good bilateral economic relations, adding that trade is projected to grow.

The two prime ministers also discussed bilateral police and judicial cooperation, as well as the challenges in international politics.

Rajoy voiced concern over the instability in the Middle East and the US's withdrawal from the nuclear deal with Iran, which is not a good sign, adding that the EU wants to play a constructive role in this regard.

Ukraine was also on the agenda of the discussion with Borissov, the guest said, adding that Spain supports the country's sovereignty.

The guest said that the EU mobility package was another topic covered at his meeting with Borissov.

Approached by a reporter about the decision of Spain (which does not recognize Kosovo's independence) to stay out of the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Sofia on May 17, Rajoy said that Spain supports all measures contributing to the development and stability of the Western Balkans. He stressed that the final declaration that will be adopted at the Summit will be neutral on the matters that concern Spain and thanked the Bulgarian Prime Minister for the efforts to achieve this, because this makes it possible to enlist Spain's support.

Borissov said at the news conference that he had familiarized Rajoy with what is being done about the Western Balkans and the main objective, which is "to turn the Balkans into a construction site" so that this region can become a good place to live, do business and visit for tourism. "Pan-European Corridors IV, VIII and X are a priority, as well as the railway corridors, ports and the building of digital infrastructure, Borissov added. He hopes that Spain, which does not recognize Kosovo, will also back these efforts.

Borissov was adamant that Bulgaria is confidently on the right path towards Schengen and Eurozone accession because it meets the criteria.