site.btaIn Bratislava, President Radev Calls for Uncompromising Security of EU's External Borders

Sofia, June 19 (BTA) - In Bratislava, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said that from the very beginning of the migrant crisis Bulgaria has shown much more common sense than many other European countries. He said the security of the EU's external borders should be given an uncompromising boost. Radev, who is on an official visit to Slovakia, gave a news conference with his Slovak counterpart Andrej Kiska, the President's press secretariat said.

Radev and Kiska concurred that the EU needs a joint decision about migration policy. "Europe is finally starting to recognize the significance of this crisis. We have all already realized that the open-door policy is bad not just for Europe, it is particularly bad for the countries from which the migrants arrive," said Radev, adding that migrants should not abdicate from solving the problems of their own countries.

The rule of law was also on the agenda of the meeting. Radev said that society, both in Bulgaria and Slovakia, would benefit from the adoption of lofty anti-corruption practices. "To us, European integration means adopting European models and standards in the fight against corruption and crime," said Radev. President Kiska said Bulgaria and Slovakia should meet their commitments arising from EU and NATO membership, and make unflagging efforts to combat corruption.

Radev and Kiska agreed that the adoption of the euro requires transparent government, strict banking supervision and resolute action against corruption. Radev stressed the need of detailed analysis and a national action plan for joining the Eurozone.

Slovakia can share with Bulgaria its experience of introducing the euro and supports Sofia's bid to join the Eurozone and Schengen, said Kiska.

Radev voiced Bulgaria's interest in further deepening its cooperation with Slovakia in the automotive industry, tourism, IT and the energy sector. The Eastring energy project is a priority for Bulgaria and Slovakia, as well as for the EU because it will ensure diversification and security of supplies by linking the gas transmission network of Central, Western and Southeastern Europe, said Radev.

Every year 100,000 Slovaks visit Bulgaria, which is evidence of the two countries' good relations, said Kiska, adding that direct air service between Slovakia and Bulgaria helps those visits.

Bilateral documents were signed in the presence of the two Presidents: a cooperation agreement between the Technical Universities of Sofia and Bratislava, between the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) and the News Agency of the Slovak Republic, and between the University of National and World Economy of Sofia and the University of Economics in Bratislava. Kiska and Radev said the documents would give a fresh impetus to cooperation in education and information.

The two heads of State also discussed the modernization of their countries' air forces. Just like Bulgaria, Slovakia is considering offers for new fighter aircraft. Taking a reporter's question about the selection criteria, Radev said the procedure should be transparent, unbiased and competitive, and the decision-making politicians should not ignore the military expertise because it is not their lives that will be at risk during flights, and maintenance and other costs will continue long after they have stepped off the political stage. "It is usually geopolitical and financial criteria that take precedence, but we should not forget that the price paid for the aircraft is much lower than the maintenance costs paid for decades after the purchase," Radev said.

After their meeting, the two Presidents laid wreaths at the Gate of Freedom memorial for the 400 people who were killed at the borders of Czechoslovakia during the communist era (1945-1989).

Meeting later on Tuesday, Radev and Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini concurred that the EU should consider the interests of all Member States in adopting the rules for the posting of workers in the Mobility Package.

If the arguments of the Bulgarian transport companies are ignored, thousands of Bulgarians may lose their jobs and become potential emigrants, said Radev. He and Pellegrini were unanimous that the EU's Cohesion Policy should continue so as to achieve a balance in the development of the regions. The allocation of funding should be linked to specific criteria, primarily per capita GDP. The Slovak Prime Minister said that if the EU funding for an individual country is reduced, it should be allowed flexibility in setting the priority areas for using that money.

Pellegrini voiced his country's support for Bulgaria's membership in Schengen, the Eurozone and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Radev and Pellegrini reaffirmed their countries' commitment to continue working for the elimination of dual food standards, which they view as a priority requiring a concerted effort.