site.btaControl of EU External Borders, Fight against Human Trafficking Should Be Strengthened - Foreign Minister

Control of EU External Borders, Fight against Human Trafficking Should Be Strengthened - Foreign Minister

Sofia, November 2 (BTA) - "Apart from strengthening the control at the EU external borders, we should focus our efforts on the fight against human trafficking," Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov said at a joint news briefing with visiting here Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni.

The EU member states and candidate-countries should synchronize their approach, Mitov observed, "At present, there are three types of countries - ones that are both members of the EU and the Schengen Area, the second type are EU members but are outside Schengen and the third ones are candidate-countries," the diplomat explained adding that the three types of countries are applying a different approach to the problem. Mitov also stressed the importance of the interaction with third countries, such as Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan.

An all-European approach is beginning to be formed, albeit slowly, regarding the refugee and migrant crisis, Mitov continued. He noted that clear differentiation should be made between economic migrants and refugees.

Taking a journalist question, Mitov said that the Consultative Council on National Security should clearly define the geopolitical environment and the risks, which it generates regarding Bulgaria. In his opinion, one of the issues, which the Council should consider, is the country's energy security.

On his part, Italian Foreign Minister Gentiloni said that the migration problem cannot be resolved by a magic wand. Italy appreciates Bulgaria's constructive approach, he commented.

Taking a question, the guest said that Italy supports the open-door policy regarding the accession of the Western Balkan countries to the EU.

The two foreign minister closed a Bulgarian-Italian Business Forum at the Hilton Hotel. Gentiloni said Italy attaches high importance to economic relations and economic cooperation with Bulgaria.