site.btaBulgaria, Croatia Agree Joint Positions on Migrant Crisis, EU Enlargement, Schengen Membership

 Bulgaria, Croatia Agree Joint Positions on Migrant Crisis, EU Enlargement, Schengen Membership

Zagreb, May 3 (BTA) - Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov, who is on a two-day official visit to Croatia, talked with his Croatian counterpart Miro Kovac on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry said.

Mitov said the coordinated positions of Bulgaria and Croatia and of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe were a priority in coping with the challenges facing the EU.

The two chief diplomats discussed the European integration of the Western Balkans, the migrant crisis, issues of current relevance on the international agenda, and Bulgarian-Croatian relations.

It is exceptionally important to the two countries that the Western Balkan countries should stick to the track of reform and European integration. However, all criteria should be met in the interest of regional peace and stability and the EU and NATO accession of the countries of the region - a view shared by Mitov and Kovac. Mitov said Bulgaria relies on Croatia's assistance as a link to the region and a successful model of EU accession.

The two foreign ministers discussed matters of shared interest within the EU, reaffirming their similar views on energy matters. Interconnectors are extremely important for the diversification of gas supplies to the two countries, the region and Europe, Mitov and Kovac stressed. They talked about their countries' common goals - joining Schengen and the eurozone, reiterating their consistent mutual support for that.

Regarding the migrant crisis, Mitov emphasized that Bulgaria is in favour of a joint European decision and effectively protects the EU's external border. For his part, Kovac said his country relies on cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe to help achieve better coordinated positions on European foreign policy. He added that Bulgaria and Croatia wield a strong influence on this process, and that the two countries have reached a joint position on the need of sharing the burden of the migrant pressure among all EU Member States.

Bulgaria highly appreciates its interaction with Croatia within the South-East European Cooperation Process. "We are aware of Croatia's constructive role in strengthening regional security and promoting the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkan countries," Mitov said during a discussion of regional cooperation. He also noted that Bulgaria and Croatia would work towards broadening their economic, communication, cultural and education contacts.

Later in the day Mitov is to meet with Parliament Speaker Jeljko Reiner and President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic.