site.btaBulgarian Interior Minister, US Ambassador Discuss Bilateral Cooperation in Home Affairs

Bulgaria’s Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov and US Ambassador Kenneth Merten have discussed bilateral cooperation in the field of home affairs, the Interior Ministry's press service said on Thursday.

"We appreciate the support of the United States and our strategic partnership," Minister Stoyanov said at the beginning of the meeting, adding that his Ministry has excellent relations with the FBI, DEA, Secret Service, and the Regional Security Office.

Ambassador Merten noted that Bulgaria is not only a strategic partner but also an ally and friend of the United States. He highlighted the positive change and efforts he has observed over the past year regarding the process of Bulgaria’s inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program, focusing particularly on the active and enhanced dialogue with the Interior Ministry on this issue.

The US Ambassador added that the US law enforcement agencies are very appreciative of the full spectrum of cooperation with the Bulgarian Ministry.

During the meeting, Stoyanov and Merten also discussed topics related to the fight against human trafficking, countering illegal migration, and cooperation against cybercrime, digital piracy in particular.

Merten expressed his solidarity with the Bulgarian people and authorities amid the wildfires raging across the country.