site.bta Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjarto Sees no Obstacle for Bulgaria to Join Schengen Area

Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjarto Sees no Obstacle for Bulgaria to Join Schengen Area

Sofia, January 21 (BTA) - Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said here on Thursday that he does not see any obstacles for the European institutions to initiate Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen Area, adding that this country has achieved a lot in this regard. Minister Szijjarto was speaking at a news conference following his meeting with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov, at whose invitation he is paying an official visit to Bulgaria.

The migration crisis was among the topics the two foreign ministers discussed. Bulgaria and Hungary share the same concern about the problem acuteness and are seeking, each according to its abilities, ways to commonly and effectively respond to this serious challenge, Mitov said.

According to Hungary's Foreign Minister, protecting Europe's external borders is important, and what Bulgaria's has achieved in this regard is much appreciated. Following the recent months, no one in Europe can say that Bulgaria is not prepared for this crisis, Minister Szijjarto said.

Answering a question, Minister Mitov said that Bulgaria is monitoring very attentively the tension along the separate borders and is ready for all kinds of possible scenarios. So far, the State is managing very well, in both assessing the situation and exercising control, he added. What must be done additionally, according to Mitov, is to have Greece establish strict control along the EU's external border.

Commenting the termination of the South Stream gas pipeline project, Minister Szijjarto said that he much regrets that the project has gone "into a dead end street".
 
The two ministers noted that they have agreed to have Bulgaria and Hungary work for establishing an appropriate format for the structuring of an enhanced dialogue on economic affairs. They also discussed the hot topics on the European agenda, such as energy security, conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and others.

Minister Szijjarto explained that there will be mutual talks about having days of Bulgarian-Hungarian and Hungarian-Bulgarian friendship. He added that the Hungarian Government will initiate the re-start of a direct flight between the two countries.

Prime Minister Boyko Borissov also conferred with Minister Szijjarto, Cabinet's Press Service reported.

The two discussed trade, economic and investment cooperation between the two countries. Borissov noted during the meeting that activating economic contacts is of mutual interest. Bilateral trade in the first three quarters of 2015 has increased compared to the previous year. Borissov further noted that Hungary is a desired investor in Bulgaria and there is untapped potential in that respect.

The Prime Minister noted the Government's work towards energy diversification. He stressed the creation of a gas hub in this country. He also welcomed the idea to re-start the direct flight between Sofia and Budapest.

Commenting the migration pressure, Borissov underscored the significance of joint efforts for dealing with the problem in the spirit of mutual understanding and shared responsibility. According to him, the efforts must focus on the initial causes of the migration. Borissov stressed the significant work for protecting Bulgaria's State border, adding that this country is very serious when it comes to its obligations as an EU Member State.