site.btaForeign Minister Milkov Takes Part in EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nikolay Milkov took part in a EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on Monday, Milkov's Ministry said in a press release.

The chief Bulgarian diplomat highlighted the significance of the EU continuing its consolidated support for Ukraine in all areas and of closely interacting with partners. He briefed his counterparts on the support provided by his country to Ukraine and the assistance to Ukrainian refugees in Bulgaria. 

Milkov stressed the need for the EU to keep up its active efforts to overcome the current stalemate in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. He commended the EU's enhanced engagement in South Caucasus and expressed support for the mandate of the EU's new mission in Armenia.

The Minister informed the Council of the deteriorating situation in the Republic of North Macedonia with regard to that country's citizens who identify themselves as Bulgarians. An emphasis was laid on the need for Skopje to commit actively and fully to the protection of the rights of Bulgarians in that country and to honour the commitments assumed within the framework of the country's European integration process. 

During his visit to Brussels, Milkov conferred with Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom. The chief Bulgarian diplomat reiterated his country's readiness to join the Schengen area and expressed the hope that the Swedish Presidency of the EU Council will remain actively committed to the matter. Bulgaria expressed full support for the Swedish Presidency priorities.