site.btaPrime Minister Borissov Confers with German Chancellor Merkel

Prime Minister Borissov Confers with German Chancellor Merkel

Berlin/Sofia, August 27 (BTA) - Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov had a brief one-to-one meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday, the Bulgarian National Television said. The talks took place within a meeting which also included the prime ministers of Croatia and Slovenia, and Austria's chancellor, which in turn is part of a series of working consultations Merkel holds about the future of the European Union prior to the EU summit meeting in Bratislava on September 16.

Germany will help Bulgaria receive additional support for the protection of its borders, it emerged from the talks between Borissov and Merkel.

The talks, whose main topic was the migration crisis, were closed to the media. 

In a Facebook post prior to the start of his meeting with Merkel, Borissov said that he will defend the Bulgarian stand according to which a common European solution is needed, along with genuine solidarity among the countries in Europe. Borrisov was also set to familiarize his counterparts with the issues he discussed during meetings in Istanbul on Friday with the Prime Minister and President of Turkey. "I will stress once again that only with will and determination on the part of the EU and good coordination with Turkey will we successfully tackle the problem. I champion the European unity and the protection of the sovereignty of our countries. I am certain that reason will prevail over populism and that we will foster stability and strength in the region," Borissov wrote in his Facebook profile.

Earlier in the week it emerged that Bulgaria needs technical support in the form of patrol vessels and helicopters, as well as more human resources to strengthen border control, in respect of which Sofia will rely on Frontex.