site.btaDeputy Prime Minister Kalfin Confers with US Ambassador Ries

Deputy Prime Minister Kalfin Confers with US Ambassador Ries


Sofia, January 6 (BTA) - Deputy Prime Minister for Demographic
and Social Policy and Minister of Labour and Social Policy
Ivailo Kalfin on Tuesday conferred with US Ambassador here
Marcie Ries, his ministry said.

Minister Kalfin raised issues related to social security and the
 US visa regime.

The two discussed negotiations about a US-Bulgaria Social
Security Agreement, relaxing the visa regime for Bulgarians and
talks under the Transatlantic Trade and Investments Partnership.

Kalfin briefed Ambassador Ries about his ministry's priorities
involving the pension reform, reducing youth poverty and
improving measures for social inclusion. Ambassador Ries
expressed an interest in measures for curbing  human trafficking
 and reintegration of trafficking victims, helping children at
risk and measures for refugee integration.

The two concurred that poverty and social inclusion are resolved
 through measures that balance citizens' rights and obligations.
 They voiced a concern about an emerging language of xenophobia
and division among politicians, which Kalfin said was "utterly
unacceptable".

Kalfin raised the issue of the delayed preparations for the
signing of a US-Bulgaria Social Security Agreement. He voiced a
readiness on behalf of Bulgaria to go ahead with the
negotiations in view of the large number of Bulgarians who live
and study in the US. "The delay of such an agreement, along with
 the visa regime are not in the spirit of good partnership,"
said Kalfin.

Of the Transatlantic Trade and Investments Partnership, Kalfin
voiced an opinion that negotiations should be transparent and
that Bulgaria should carry out an impact assessment of the
Partnership. For her part, Ambassador Ries voices readiness to
hold discussions and raise awareness.