site.btaBulgaria Supports Liberalization of Visa Regulations for Turkish Government, Municipal Officials, Business People

Bulgaria Supports Liberalization of Visa Regulations for Turkish Government, Municipal Officials, Business
People

Brussels, November 29 (BTA corr. Nikolay Jeliazkov) - Speaking to Bulgarian reporters in Brussels, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said Sunday that an exception could be made for Turkey in the liberalization of the visa regulations for government and municipal officials, and business people. Borissov is in Brussels to attend the joint meeting of the European Council and Turkey.

In Borissov's words, Turkey could be included in the list of secure countries. "This would be a sign for Turkey that we are appreciating its efforts to keep nearly two million migrants on its territory," the PM said. Borissov also said that in respect of Turkey's negotiations for EU accession, Bulgaria holds the position that all requirements upheld by the countries who have joined the EU so far be met, without making exceptions.

Borissov said he hopes Turkey and Russia will improve their relations after the downing of the Russian aircraft by Turkey. "Maybe those who attacked me, now understand what challenges Bulgaria was forced to face. What I said was misunderstood by some people. I thank the Russian side that they stopped provoking us," Borissov said.

The PM also stressed that Bulgaria proved that it is a much better Schengen border than many of the European ones, both as a Schengen external border and in terms of facilities and measures.

Approached about the Bulgarian contribution in the European fund for Syria, Borissov said that the most important thing is for the contributions not to come from the EU cohesion funds. "We all understand that the problem with the refugees must be solved but these funds must not be touched because they are vitally important for the countries in Eastern Europe," Borissov said.

Commenting energy topics, Borissov said he continues to think that a gas hub in Bulgaria where liquefied gas, Russian gas and gas from Bulgarian deposits is stored is "very realistic".

Borissov supported the idea about a Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and a having a gas hub in Bulgaria. The PM said that Bulgaria will not sign a letter against Nord Stream 2.