site.btaAngela Merkel: Bulgaria Can Help with Western Balkan Countries' European Integration

Sofia, January 20 (BTA) - With its geographic location, Bulgaria can achieve much for the goodneighbourly relations and help with the European integration of countries from the Western Balkans, German Chancellor Angela Merkel told journalists here on Saturday during a working visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.

Merkel spoke highly of the planned informal meeting between leaders of countries from the region, which is to take place in Sofia. The Bulgarian EU Presidency is very well prepared, the German Chancellor noted, adding that she completely agrees with its goals. The well-being of peaceful Europe also requires the participation of the Western Balkan countries and their European perspective. The process of connectivity must be improved with the help of railway infrastructure, which is something Germany and Bulgaria will work on in close cooperation, Merkel noted.

Relations with Turkey were also discussed. Bulgaria will continue working on the common European policy dossier pertaining to asylum, the German Chancellor said. She thanked Bulgaria for the way it protects the EU external border, which she described as an arduous task. Germany and Frontex are supporting Bulgaria, but the main work must be carried out here, for which Merkel expressed gratitude. The German Chancellor said that she supports Borissov's initiative to have, together with the presidents of the European Council, the European Parliament and European Commission, a meeting with Turkish representatives, during which all unsolved questions can be discussed openly. The Bulgarian Prime Minister explained that such a meeting is prepared to take place on a weekend in the coastal city of Varna.

Merkel welcomed Bulgaria's idea to build a gas hub in Varna, which can diversify natural gas supplies to Europe.

Very soon, but gradually, the rules of the Schengen Area will start being applied to Bulgaria, Merkel told a journalists' question. According to her, this matter will soon be included once again on the agenda. Borissov noted that he expects the Dutch Prime Minister to visit on February 6, so he can take his team wherever they like along the border with Turkey, in order for them to see firsthand how it is protected. There is no problem for Bulgaria to be included in Schengen's sea and air borders even now, he said.

Borissov thanked Merkel for supporting the important topics of the Bulgarian EU Presidency, as well as the efforts Bulgaria is making to protect the EU border. Developing the infrastructure in this region will make it more competitive, the Bulgarian Government leader also said.

The two have discussed the EU common policy concerning China and Borissov said that the Bulgarian EU Presidency will work towards opening China's markets for EU goods.

He once again stressed this country's good financial and budget situation, adding that Bulgaria's Eurozone entry depends on the European Central Bank. Borissov asked Germany for well-intentioned assistance for conducting the judicial reform in Bulgaria.