site.btaBulgarian Interior Minister, Turkish Ambassador Discuss Border Protection, Fight against Drug Trafficking

Bulgaria's Interior Minister Atanas Ilkov and Turkiye's Ambassador Mehmet Sait Uyanik Monday discussed the priorities of cooperation, including migration management, the protection of the common border, the fight against drug trafficking, and projects for widening the Kapitan Andreevo border checkpoint to facilitate passage.

Ilkov, who was appointed caretaker Interior Minister on August 27, expressed hope that the two countries' traditional partnership would continue in all areas of shared interest. The two discussed ways to build on the good cooperation in home affairs.

They noted the decrease in migration pressure by over 70% as a result of enhanced dialogue and actions of the two countries' competent authorities.

The diplomat thanked the Interior Ministry's services for foiling drug trafficking to and from Europe, including by air.

The sides noted the good joint organization for the smooth passage of citizens through the Kapitan Andreevo border checkpoint where a record large number of passenger vehicles have been recorded this year: between 5,000 and 9,000 daily entering Turkiye and between 3,500 and 5,500 entering Bulgaria. In this context, the project for overhaul and renovation of the border crossing was discussed.

Ilkov extended an invitation to his Turkish counterpart, Ali Yerlikaya, to visit Sofia.