site.bta Bulgarian Foreign Minister Confers in Paris with French Counterpart Ayrault

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Confers in Paris with French Counterpart Ayrault

Paris, September 7 (BTA) - During a working visit to Paris, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov conferred with French Foreign Affairs and International Development Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, Mitov's Ministry said in a press release on Tuesday.

After their session, which lasted for more than an hour and a half, the two chief diplomats concurred that coping with the migrant crisis is an exceedingly serious common challenge to the entire European Union. Mitov presented to his counterpart Bulgaria's position in connection with the migrant crisis and the challenges that this country faces, especially along its southern border. "The idea that Europe has external borders and they belong to Europe as a whole is a project behind which we must all consolidate. France and Germany border on Turkey through the border of Bulgaria and Greece," Mitov said at his meeting with Ayrault.

"The question of border security is very important, and we must enhance the role of Frontex and the protection of these borders," Ayrault asserted for his part.

The two foreign ministers discussed the crises in the Middle East and Ukraine and stressed the need of implementing the Minsk Agreements.

The forthcoming Brexit and the future of the EU, the September 16 Bratislava Summit, Europe's energy security, counterterrorism, and the Union's common defence policy also figured on the agenda. The chief diplomats are of the opinion that Europe needs energy source diversification. Mitov familiarized his counterpart with the Bulgarian Balkan Hub project and briefed him on the progress of the interconnector projects with neighbouring countries.

Ayrault also stressed the importance of security of gas supplies to Europe. The two concurred on the importance of keeping the unity of the 27 EU Member States.

The ministers were categorical that bilateral relations are at an exceptionally high level. Mitov invited his counterpart to visit Bulgaria at his convenience, the Foreign Ministry press release says.