site.btaBulgarian PM Borissov Confers with French President Macron

121 POLITICS - PM BORISSOV - FRENCH PRESIDENT - MEETING

Bulgarian PM Borissov
Confers
with French President Macron


Paris, June 6 (BTA) - Prime Minister Boyko Borissov conferred here on Tuesday with newly elected French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace, Cabinet's press service said.

Borissov said he and Macron have laid the foundations for cooperation and trust. The Bulgarian Prime Minister voiced hope that Macron, with his youth, energy and experience as finance minister, will pull forward a strong and united Europe.

"I believe we had a good conversation about current EU topics, as well as ones related to our EU Council Presidency," Borissov said. He noted Bulgaria's efforts for entering "the Eurozone waiting room" and its Schengen accession. "The efforts we have made regarding the migration topic, financial discipline and public finances have been recognized, as well as the reforms we have conducted," he added.

Borissov said that the French President has accepted an invitation to visit Bulgaria, adding that during his visit Macron will have the chance to personally familiarize himself with the measures Bulgaria takes for protecting the Schengen Area's land and sea borders. According to the Prime Minister, Bulgaria can be seen as a periphery only in geographical terms, because this country is important for the EU's integrity, unity, protection and defence.

Speaking before French journalists at the Elysee Palace, President Macron noted Borissov's strong will to overcome the remaining stages for entering the Eurozone waiting room and joining the border-free Schengen Area. The French head of State underscored Bulgaria's efforts in that direction, adding that France will work together with this country for its Eurozone and Schengen integration. According to him, it is important to allow states striving towards closer integration to do so. Macron stressed Borissov's strong European will, noting that every time concrete efforts are made, France will back those making them, which is precisely the case.

Bulgaria will preside over the EU Council in the first half of 2018 and given that, it was exceptionally important to have a strategic talk about the Presidency's agenda and about Europe's short-term priorities, the French President said. He noted two European topics - improving social cohesion and protecting the borders. "Bulgaria, which is exposed to pressure due to its geographic location, has done a remarkable job in recent years, by facing the migration wave," said Macron, stressing the need to improve Europe's collective defence.

Prime Minister Borissov and President Macron noted the importance to further develop bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as the opportunity to implement joint projects. LI/MY