site.btaUPDATED National Assembly Chair in Rome: Bulgaria Has Met All Conditions for Joining Schengen

During his working visit to Rome, National Assembly Chair Vezhdi Rashidov met with the President of the Senate of the Italian Republic, Ignazio La Russa, Parliament reported on Wednesday. At the meeting, Rashidov stressed that Bulgaria has met all the conditions for its accession to Schengen and is grateful for Italy's support.

Rashidov emphasized that Bulgaria joining the Schengen area would lead to an overall increased security in the EU.

La Russa confirmed that Italy supports Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen area and consistently works for the implementation of this goal. He noted the important role of the two countries, which are called upon to protect the EU's external borders, and pointed out Bulgaria's role is key in securing the EU's external border. La Russa and Rashidov agreed that their respective countries' authorities should share their experience and support each other in efforts to curb the migratory pressure on Europe.

"As an external border of the EU, Bulgaria gives priority importance to the effective management of migration and makes every effort to ensure effective border security," Rashidov stressed. A large-scale operation against illegal migration is currently being carried out in Bulgaria country in cooperation with the authorities of Turkiye and Greece. Several networks for illegal crossing of the border with the EU have already been dismantled.

The National Assembly Chair reiterated that Bulgaria strongly condemns the Russian aggression and the violation of international law and human rights in Ukraine. "We hope that a diplomatic solution to the military conflict will be found as soon as possible and we welcome Italy's active efforts in regulating the conflict," he said.

Rashidov and La Russa agreed that efforts should be made to increase economic cooperation and promote mutual investment. According to them, there is an untapped potential in trade and economic ties, which should be encouraged.

Later in the day, Rashidov also met with Roberto Marti, head of the Culture and Cultural Properties, Education, Scientific Research, Entertainment and Sport Committee, with whom he discussed the opportunities to promote cooperation in the fields of culture, archaeology and tourism.