site.bta Bulgaria, Malta Should Sync Up EU Presidency Agendas

Bulgaria, Malta Should Sync Up EU Presidency Agendas

Sofia, November 17 (BTA) - The presidents of Bulgaria and Malta have agreed that the two countries should align their EU Presidency agendas in 2017 and 2018 to ensure they focus on realistic and feasible priorities that would lead to tangible results for the European citizens, the press office of the Bulgarian head of state said in a statement.

Meeting in Valletta, Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev and his Maltese counterpart Marie Louise Coleiro Preca also agreed that migration, protecting the EU's external borders and security issues should be among the top priorities on the bloc's agenda in 2017 and 2018 when the two countries take over the EU Presidency, the statement said.

The two heads of state exchanged views on topical European and international issues, on interaction within the EU and on deepening bilateral relations.

The crises in Europe have a single solution - a pan-European one, Plevneliev told a joint press conference with Coleiro Preca. "We should put the problems on the table because among the multiple crises in Europe, the moral crisis is the worst. We should remember who we are and what our values are and Malta is a natural leader in this respect," Plevneliev said, once again calling for a new phase in European integration. "This is the only solution that would make strong both the European nation states - regardless of whether they are small or big, wealthy or poor, and the EU," Plevneliev said.

Coleiro Preca acquainted her Bulgarian counterpart with the top priorities of the upcoming Maltese EU Presidency in the second half of 2017. In addition to migration and security, Malta will also focus on the creation of a single digital market and on the energy sector.

With respect to the migration crisis, Coleiro Preca stressed that the EU should work more actively with the origin and transit countries for Northern Africa and Middle East migrants. The two heads of state concurred that all EU member states should show solidarity in tackling the challenges of the migration pressure.

The two presidents also agreed there is strong potential for the further development of bilateral trade, economic and investment relations and of education and cultural exchange.

Taking a question, Plevneliev said: "We will hear out very carefully how our British friends see the solution after the referendum in the UK. However, we should not focus on the technicalities involved in achieving results but on the results themselves. We will seek the best possible solution in order to remain friends with the UK."

The negotiations on the UK's exit from the bloc are expected to coincide with the Maltese and Bulgarian EU Presidencies.

In recognition of his exceptional contribution for the promotion and fostering of international dialogue and for deepening the friendly relations between the two nations, Plevneliev was named Companion of Honour of Malta's National Order of Merit, the country's highest state order.

During his state visit, Plevneliev is also scheduled to meet in Valletta with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Anglu Farrugia, and with Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.