site.btaBilateral Cooperation, Matters on European Agenda and Coronavirus Spread Discussed During Bavarian Interior Minister's Visit to Sofia

Sofia, February 24 (BTA) - Interior Minister Mladen Marinov had
a working meeting with Bavaria's Minister of the Interior, Sport
 and Integration, Joachim Herrmann, who is paying a working
visit to Bulgaria at Marinov's invitation, the Bulgarian
Interior Ministry reported here on Monday. The two reviewed
bilateral cooperation and discussed important matters on the
European agenda, including the spreading of the novel
coronavirus.

The Bulgarian Interior Minister briefed his Bavarian counterpart
 on the actions this country is taking to guarantee the security
 of the EU's external borders, noting Germany's contribution in
this field, including German police officers' participation in
Frontex missions, technical assistance and trainings. Marinov
once again declared Bulgaria's support for applying a joint
European approach to managing migration.

The Bulgarian contribution to protecting the EU's external
border is an outstanding example of how the Union's borders
should be protected, Minister Herrmann noted.

The two exchanged information about the priorities in the area
of fighting organized crime, drug and human trafficking,
smuggling, among other questions of mutual interest. The two
countries' successful cooperation as coordinators of the Danube
Region Strategy's priority area of security was also discussed,
which focuses on developing cooperation in border control,
counterterrorism, rule of law. The results of the joint actions
for countering the illicit trafficking of cultural and
historical property were also discussed, as this is an area with
 potential for enhanced cooperation, discussed between the two
ministers during their meeting in Munich.

A round table dedicated to the topic is scheduled to be held
later on Monday in Sofia, during which Bulgaria and Bavaria will
 exchange experience in the field.

The meeting also highlighted Bulgaria's consistent support for
the European integration of the countries in the Western
Balkans, which will contribute to the region's security.

Interior ministers: situation with coronavirus in northern Italy
 is concerning

Interior Minister Marinov and his Bavarian counterpart Herrmann
discussed the measures that must be taken to limit the
coronavirus spread in Europe.

After the meeting, Marinov told journalists that the situation
in Italy is concerning, which is why fast and effective joint
actions for limiting the virus must be planned.

Each country must take measures to protect its borders and
urgent reactions are needed when symptoms of the virus appear.
"There are currently meetings between various institutions,
plans are being reviewed, so that we can be effective in case a
threat for this country arises," Marinov said.

Minister Herrmann also expressed concern over the events in
Italy, where the source of the coronavirus has not been
identified yet. He stressed the importance for Germany and
everyone in Europe to prevent the spread of this virus. RI/MY