site.btaInterior Minister and Turkish Ambassador Discuss Crime Countering, Easing Border Traffic

Interior Minister of Interior Emil Dechev on Wednesday conferred with Turkish Ambassador Mehmet Sait Uyanik. During the meeting, the sides discussed countering illegal migration, combating smuggling and drug trafficking, easing passenger and cargo traffic across the shared border, as well as measures taken to expand border crossing checkpoints and improve their capacity and capabilities, the Interior Ministry said.

The two emphasized the strategic nature of relations between the two neighbouring and friendly countries, noting that their dialogue is open and constructive. The sides also highlighted the positive results related to the reduction of illegal migration flows, achieved through decisive measures taken by all relevant institutions in Bulgaria and Turkiye.

Minister Dechev also underscored the role of the joint trilateral contact centre for border and customs cooperation at the Bulgarian-Turkish border, which supports joint efforts in real time.

For his part, Ambassador Uyanık stressed that for Turkiye, Bulgaria remains the closest ally, in which it has full confidence.  Both sides once again confirmed their readiness to continue working together on all issues of mutual interest.

A few days ago, Turkiye’s Minister of Trade Omer Bolat announced during a meeting with representatives of the International Road Transport Union that a new customs checkpoint between Turkiye and Bulgaria is planned to be opened north of the Kapıkule border crossing.