site.btaBulgarian Prime Minister and Italian President Call for Common European Solution to Migration Crisis

Bulgarian Prime Minister and Italian President Call for Common European Solution to Migration Crisis

Sofia, September 15 (BTA) - Bulgaria and Italy share similar problems stemming from the migration crisis and are aware of the need for a common European solution and solidarity among the countries of Europe, the Bulgarian government's press service said on Thursday, covering a meeting between Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and the visiting Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The two leaders expect that Friday's EU summit in Bratislava will set out concrete measures to address the issue.

Borissov and Mattarella stressed the need for efficient management of the EU's external borders and additional support for countries like Bulgaria and Italy, which are the first to receive the migrant flows. They noted that a lasting solution to the crisis would be to achieve peace and normal living conditions in the migrants' own countries, which would make them want to return.

Borissov said: "We bear much responsibility as an EU border nation. The countries of Europe should pool their efforts and find a solution which would not be to the detriment of any individual country." He updated the Italian President on the border security measures which Bulgaria is taking and said that his country is cooperating well with Turkey in keeping illegal migrants out.

If Bulgaria's security services have full access to the Schengen information system, the EU's external borders will be more secure, Borissov said.

He and Mattarella noted their countries' good cooperation in the field of energy and their fruitful partnership in culture, education and science.

The Italian President arrived on an official visit to Bulgaria on September 13 and took part in a September 14-15 Arraiolos meeting of EU state leaders in the southern Bulgarian city of Plovdiv.