site.btaUK Minister of State Alan Duncan Visits Sofia

Sofia, July 14 (BTA) - Prime Minister Boyko Borissov met here Friday with Sir Alan Duncan, the visiting UK Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in charge of Europe and America. The two sides agreed that Bulgaria and the UK have fine bilateral relations which were proven through the years, and Britain's divorce with the EU is not going to disturb the partnership between the two countries and peoples, said the government press office.

The two sides are determined to continue their good cooperation for guaranteeing security in Europe, managing the migration flows, fighting terrorism, organized crime, contraband trade and corruption. They agreed that the Bulgarian diaspora in the UK has a major role in bonding the two countries. Borissov said that the Bulgarian community in Britain stands out with its highly qualified members who add value to the British economy.

The Bulgarian government leader pointed out that it is important for Bulgaria to see during the Brussels-London talks guarantees for the legal security of the EU citizens in the UK.

Meeting with Sir Alan Duncan, Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva said that Bulgaria relies on the UK to remain an important partner in the counter-terrorism efforts, in security and trade. "You are leaving the European Union, not Europe," Zaharieva told the guest as quoted by her
Ministry.

She stressed that it is important for Bulgaria that the rights of close to 80,000 Bulgarian citizens who live in the UK, be guaranteed during the Brexit talks. She also said that the EU must stay united during the talks and that Bulgaria fully trusts the team of the EU chief negotiator for Brexit, Michel Barnier.

Sir Alan Duncan said that, indeed, his country leaves a club - not the region, and that it is determined to be more active in cooperating in the area of security and trade.

He said that without the citizens of other European countries Britain will be faced with a labour shortage in sectors including construction and health care.

He hailed the huge interest in British universities among Bulgarian high school leavers.

The two sides also discussed the preparation of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council.

Zaharieva thanked for the British support for the Bulgarian judicial reform and said that her country will request more assistance missions in the judiciary and will continue to rely on help from the UK.

The top Bulgarian diplomat also thanked for the British support for Bulgaria's admission to the Schengen area.