site.btaPresident Plevneliev Holds Talks in Malta

President Plevneliev Holds Talks in Malta

Valletta/Sofia, November 18 (BTA) - Migration and guarding the external borders of the EU are an issue common to Bulgaria and Malta. The two countries will synchronise their positions and will work together to overcome the challenges within the forthcoming Maltese and Bulgarian presidency of the Council of the European Union, President Rosen Plevneliev and the Prime Minister of Malta, Joseph Muscat, agreed at a meeting in Valletta, the Press Secretariat of the head of state said Friday. Plevneliev is paying a visit to Malta on November 17-18.

The Bulgarian Chairmanship-in-Office of the Southeast European Cooperation Process and the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in 2016 showed that the countries in the region can achieve consensus, Plevneliev said. Bulgaria's voice is heard clearly and Malta can rely on Bulgaria's experience in dealing with regional challenges.

The Bulgarian President outlined the advantages of Southeast Europe for foreign investors and encouraged Maltese business to look for opportunities to interact with Bulgarian and regional partners, as well as for cooperation at all levels and contacts between people.

In Valletta, Plevneliev also conferred with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malta, Angelo Farrugia.

The Bulgarian Head of State met with representatives of the Bulgarian community in Malta. The meeting was joined by Maltese President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who addressed the Bulgarians in the island state.

Plevneliev expressed gratitude for the way the Bulgarian residents there present their country, as well as to President Preca who placed her residence at the disposal of the Bulgarian community to celebrate the Day of Slav Letters, May 24. "This is a positive act showing a special attitude, deserved by Bulgarians with their dedication, industry and good nature that contribute to Malta's development," he added.

At the initiative of President Preca, the celebration of May 24 will become an annual tradition under the auspices of the Maltese Head of State.