site.btaAustria's Federal Ministers of Interior, Defence Visit Bulgaria

Austria's Federal Ministers of Interior, Defence Visit Bulgaria

Sofia, March 12 (BTA) - Bulgaria strictly applies all regulations of the EU and the Schengen area aimed at managing the migration pressure, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said during his meeting with Austria's Federal Minister of the Interior Johanna Mikl-Leitner and Federal Minister of Defence and Sports Hans Peter Doskozil, the Government Information Service said Saturday.

An Austrian delegation led by the two federal ministers arrived on an official visit to Bulgaria Saturday.

According to Borissov, it is important for all countries on the front line of the refugee wave to be able to rely on the European Union's support for the protection of the EU external borders. He noted that, given the measures related to the migration flow that are set in the Bulgarian national plan, Bulgaria has informed the European Commission about the country's additional needs. In his words, Bulgaria would highly appreciate support also by Austria.

The PM said that, although no new trends in the migration flow are being observed, Bulgaria is undertaking preparations for timely actions if necessary. All measures are being taken and the readiness of the services at the border is being strengthened in terms of resources and organization, he went on to say.

Borissov also acquainted the Austrian ministers with his position expressed in his letter sent to European Council President Donald Tusk on Friday, in which the Bulgarian PM insist that the EU provide for the protection of all external borders with Turkey. Borissov added that he expects his position to be taken into consideration during the preparation of the conclusions for the forthcoming meeting of EU heads of state and government.

Later on Saturday, Interior Minister Roumyana Buchvarova and Defence Minister Nikolay Nenchev are scheduled to take the guests to the Border Police Regional Directorate in Elhovo so as to acquaint the Austrian delegation with the actions undertaken by Bulgaria for the defence of its border with Turkey.