site.btaDefence Ministers of Bulgaria, Netherlands Discuss Cyber Security and Migrant Crisis

Defence Ministers of Bulgaria, Netherlands Discuss Cyber Security and  Migrant Crisis

Sofia, October 5 (BTA) - Cyber defence and the migrant crisis were in the focus of talks here Wednesday between Bulgarian Defence Minister Nickolay Nenchev and his visiting Netherlands counterpart Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. The two held a joint news briefing after the meeting.

Hennis-Plasschaert is on a two-day official visit at Nenchev's invitation.

The two sides agreed on joint actions and aid for Bulgaria from the Netherlands, which is a leader in the area of cyber defence.

Nenchev briefed the guest on the contribution of his Ministry to the efforts for containing the migrant crisis. He underscored the need for the EU to take a concerted stand for a readmission agreement with Afghanistan.

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said Nenchev and herself agreed that some risks, challenges and dangers exist both on the southern and the eastern flank, and it is essential that all countries pool their efforts to deal with these - as they do.

She said that cyber security is a new and very important area.

She said she is aware of the difficulties Bulgaria faces amid the migrant crisis, and that here, too, unity in action is needed. This applies to support for Afghanistan and to making sure the authorities in Afghanistan observe the readmission agreement,  Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert added.  

The two ministers praised the quality of bilateral cooperation. Nenchev thanked for the Netherlands' support before and after Bulgaria's accession to NATO. "We continue the dialogue on a number of issues in defence. We plan joint action including training, exchange of expertise and information," Nenchev added.