site.btaDaniel Mitov AttendsCentral European Initiative Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Daniel Mitov Attends Central European Initiative Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, June 16 (BTA) - Emerging from a Central European Initiative (CEI) foreign ministers' meeting in Banja Luka on Thursday, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov said the CEI countries have begun to take real steps to combat terrorism, illegal migration and organized crime. Mitov said: "My country's position is that Europe can tackle the crises confronting it only through joint, long-term measures."

"Bulgaria has always supported and will support regional projects promoting cooperation among the CEI countries," he said. He noted that, as neighbours, the Central European nations share common interests and face the same challenges. According to Mitov, cooperation between the EU member states and countries outside the bloc is of paramount importance.

The CEI foreign ministers issued a joint communique highlighting the challenges facing the region. The communique says that solutions should be sought in keeping with the rules established by the Charter of the United Nations and international law.

Bulgaria has been a full CEI member since 1996. During 20 years of membership, the country has obtained 500,000 euro in CEI co-funding for 59 projects.