site.btaGerman President Gauck Pays Three-day State Visit to Bulgaria

German President Gauck Pays Three-day State Visit to Bulgaria

Sofia, June 22 (BTA) - German President Joachim Gauck, who is on a three-day state visit to Bulgaria, took part in a joint news conference with President Rosen Plevneliev after their one-to-one meeting here on Wednesday.

President Plevneliev said during the news conference that it is pivotal for Europe's security that Bulgaria and Romania become full members of the Schengen area.

The Bulgarian head of State said that Bulgarians are proud to always be part of the European solution and act in solidarity. Despite having to often make difficult decisions, Bulgarians have never considered sacrificing the European solidarity and have always backed the European idea, Plevneliev said.

President Gauck noted that he was informed during the meeting how Bulgaria intensively builds a border regime, which complies with the European requirements. "Bulgaria wants to become a member of the Schengen area and I was very interested to hear about the efforts, the actions and the results of the Bulgarian commitment," the German President said. On the other hand, Gauck mentioned the EU's expectations from Bulgaria regarding the rule of law, which is a requirement and a pre-requisite for its full Schengen membership.

"We do not see any problems that can not be solved," he said, adding that even Germany, as well as all EU Member States have many problems to tackle.