site.btaBulgarian PM Borissov Confers with INTERPOL Secretary General Stock

December 20 (BTA) - "I am convinced that INTERPOL is a
key player in security worldwide. We are resolutely pressing
ahead with our active and fruitful cooperation," Bulgarian Prime
 Minister Boyko Borissov said here on Friday, conferring with
Jurgen Stock, Secretary General of the International Criminal
Police Organization (INTERPOL). Stock is visiting for the 30th
anniversary of the restoration of Bulgaria's INTERPOL
membership, the Government Information Service reported.

During the conversation, Borissov stressed Bulgaria's successful
 participation in various INTERPOL projects and in the
performance of operations in important areas like combating the
trafficking in arms, drugs, human beings and migrants, which
figure among this country's key priorities.

The Prime Minister commended the training courses held in
Bulgaria, which are organized and financed by the INTERPOL
General Secretariat. "We attach special importance to the fact
that these courses cover the Balkan region as well. As you know,
 Bulgaria steadily prioritizes cooperation with all countries in
 the region," Borissov added. He stressed that information with
the Western Balkans is exchanged mainly through the INTERPOL
channel and bilaterally, which is why it is important to
strengthen contacts at all levels and in all areas of mutual
interest.

The sides also discussed Bulgaria's hosting of the Aqaba Process
 in 2020, which is thematically linked with Bulgaria's
initiative for development of the Western Balkans and for
strengthening international and regional cooperation in the
security sector.

Bulgaria was a member of INTERPOL between 1923 and 1958. The
country's membership was restored at the 58th Session of the
INTERPOL General Assembly on November 27, 1989. RY/LG