site.btaForeign Minister Gabriel Thanks Germany for its Strong Support for Bulgaria's Schengen Accession

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel is on an official visit to Germany at the invitation of Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock. Highlights of Thursday's talks were issues on the bilateral and European agenda, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. 

Gabriel said that the cooperation between Bulgaria and Germany is long-term and strategic. "Our common priorities and joint actions on key issues on the European agenda contribute to more security and development in both countries. In this context, I thank Germany for its strong support for Bulgaria's Schengen accession. This is important for our country and for the Bulgarian people," she noted.  

She stressed that Bulgaria also appreciates Germany's continued support for Bulgaria's membership in the OECD and the euro area. Among the topics discussed at the meeting were bilateral relations in the field of security and home affairs, the fight against illegal migration, which remains a key priority, and opportunities for expanding investment. A great potential for cooperation in the fields of innovation, energy, tourism, education and culture was also identified. 

"I am happy to note the similarity in the positions of Bulgaria and Germany on a number of important topics on the international agenda, including support for Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, the EU enlargement policy, Women in Diplomacy," Gabriel said. 

The two countries will also continue their joint efforts to combat disinformation and hybrid threats. 

Gabriel told Baerbock that she is open to strengthen the good cooperation between Bulgaria and Germany for the benefit of both countries and Europe.