site.btaForeign Minister Mitov Confers with Afghan, Kosovo Counterparts

Foreign Minister Mitov Confers with Afghan, Kosovo Counterparts

New York, September 25 (BTA) - On the sidelines of the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov Saturday conferred with his Afghan counterpart Salahuddin Rabbani, Mitov's Ministry said in a press release. This was the first bilateral meeting at such level in 10 years since the 61st UN General Assembly Session in September 2006.

"Bulgaria has a long-term commitment to Afghanistan's recovery and development both on a bilateral basis and within the framework of EU and NATO cooperation," the chief Bulgarian diplomat emphasized. "We are deeply concerned about the growing wave of migrants from Afghanistan and expect the problem to be addressed soon," he said, adding that Bulgaria is seeking a long-term solution to the problem with Afghan migrants in his country.

Mitov stressed the importance of the signing of the Joint Way Forward on migration issues between Afghanistan and the EU. The negotiations are in the home stretch, and after going through the procedure at the EU Council, the document is expected to be signed in Brussels on October 3, 2016.

The Bulgarian Foreign Minister told his Afghan counterpart that Bulgaria also attaches great importance to the planned signing of a Cooperation Agreement on Partnership and Development between the EU and Afghanistan, which will take place within the framework of the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan on October 5, 2016. The Agreement is the first contractual framework of relations in spheres like rule of law, development, education, science and technology, as well as interaction against money laundering, terrorism, organized crime and narcotics distribution. It focuses on EU-Afghanistan regular political dialogue, including dialogue on human rights and trade and investment promotion.

Mitov also held a working meeting with Kosovo Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj. The sides found that bilateral relations are at a very good level and agreed on exchanging visits soon. Bulgaria stressed stability in the Western Balkans. Bulgaria is also ready to provide support to the EU Kosovo Stabilization and Association Process.