NEWS

The Press Secretariat of the President is authorized to disseminate the following position of the Head of State: 

 

I voice my deep regret about the absurd incident that caused the death of a migrant who illegally crossed the border between Bulgaria and Turkey. The tragic incident, which is indicative of the ongoing severe migration crisis in Europe, gives me yet another reason to call on for taking unified and prompt pan-European measures to root out the crisis caused by the migration pressure on Europe.

 

I am fully aware of the high level of professionalism of the law-enforcement officers, who guard the Bulgarian and European border day and night and are under considerable pressure while performing their professional duties. I praise the prompt reaction of the guardians of public order and peace, and also the launch of an independent expert’s analysis to objectively assess the actions carried out. I expect that the institutions competent in investigating the case will perform their duties as soon as possible and will inform the public about the results.

 

I should emphasize that Bulgaria has always displayed a humane and tolerant attitude to the people seeking refuge no matter what region or country they come from. However, we should not neglect the responsibilities we have taken on to protect the national border and sovereignty and also the borders of united Europe, in compliance with the assumed commitments of a responsible EU member state.  

 

I would like once again to recall that Bulgaria was one of the first European countries to become the target of a stronger migration pressure and which took urgent measures to adequately guard the external EU borders. Unfortunately, two years later, Bulgaria remains one of the few EU member states to strictly comply with the European regulations related to the refuge-seekers by continuing to register all migrants passing through the territory of the country.

 

Taking into consideration this tragic case, I  call on all leaders of the EU member states to adhere to the European rules and stick to the regulations, which we, the convinced Europeans, have worked out ourselves, and which we are called upon to observe. Bulgaria will continue to responsibly fulfill its commitments on the protection of our national border and the external EU borders in close cooperation with the partner European institutions and the friendly neighboring countries.

 

I call on for ensuring the necessary calmness to the investigators and at the same time I call on the refuge-seekers on the territory of Bulgaria to refrain from doing deeds that fail to comply with the Bulgarian and European legislation and to obey the rules that are compulsory for all.     

 

Statement by Head of State Iliana Iotova

For projects aimed at improving connectivity between Bulgaria and Turkiye must be viewed as a whole, to be successful, and within the context of closer cooperation in Southeastern Europe. This will bolster both economic development and security in the region, whose strategic importance is growing. This was stated by President Iliana Iotova at a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who is on a formal visit to Bulgaria.

Albulena Haxhiu expressed her gratitude to President Iotova for Bulgaria’s support on Kosovo’s path toward membership in NATO and the European Union.

Iliana Iotova raised the issue of depopulation in the area along the Bulgarian-Serbian border and highlighted the need for investment to counter the adverse demographic trend.