site.btaBulgaria, Croatia to Seek Joint Solutions to Migration, Accelerated Economic Growth, EU Enlargement

Bulgaria, Croatia to Seek Joint Solutions to Migration, Accelerated Economic Growth, EU Enlargement

Sofia, February 18 (BTA) - Meeting in Munich, President Rumen Radev and his Croatian counterpart Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic concurred that Bulgaria and Croatia hold similar views on many key topics on the EU agenda and will deepen dialogue on migration, accelerated economic growth and EU enlargement, Radev's Press Secretariat said Saturday.

The two heads of State are attending the 53rd Munich Security Conference.

They agreed that excellent bilateral relations are a prerequisite for an increase in two-way trade, reciprocal investments and tourism.

The numerous crises facing the EU now should not diminish support for enlargement towards the Western Balkans, the two Presidents said.

They spoke in favour of accelerating the process of reforms in the EU applicant countries, which should strengthen the democratic values and the rule of law, and guarantee effective protection of the rights of the national minorities.

The countries of Southeastern Europe should seek to enhance regional cooperation modelled on the Visegrad Four, said Radev. He noted the high level of economic integration and security partnership achieved by the Central European countries.

Judging from Radev's statement, regional cooperation in the Balkans and EU enlargement policy will be the focus of Bulgaria's Presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2018.

The Bulgarian President highly praised the Three Seas Initiative of his Croatian counterpart, which aims to deepen energy, transport and digital connections among the countries of the Adriatic, the Baltic and the Black Sea region. Radev confirmed Bulgaria's readiness to be an active participant.

While in Munich, Radev also talked with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and US Senator John McCain. The Bulgarian President commended Bulgaria's cooperation with the United States in cyber security, migration and the fight against terrorism, and said Bulgaria hoped that this partnership would deepen further.