site.btaInterior Minister, Edirne Governor Discuss Cross-Border Crime, Illegal Migration

Caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev held a working meeting with Turkiye’s Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer focused on cooperation in protecting the shared border, countering illegal migration and combating cross-border crime, the Interior Ministry said on Wednesday. 

The Bulgarian delegation also included Deputy Interior Minister Kaloyan Kaloyanov, acting Interior Ministry Secretary General Georgi Kandev, and Border Police Director Anton Zlatanov. 

Sezer said that issues are being resolved promptly through constructive dialogue and excellent professional relations. He thanked the Bulgarian authorities for measures ensuring faster passage through border checkpoints, stressing that this will be particularly important during the active summer tourist season. 

Dechev said the Bulgarian side is highly impressed by Turkiye’s efforts in addressing migration pressure and highly values its actions, describing them as an important friendly gesture not only towards Bulgaria but also towards Europe as a whole. 

According to him, Border Police data indicates a lasting reduction in migration pressure in recent years. 

Dechev added that Bulgaria is making additional efforts to reduce waiting times at the Kapitan Andreevo Border Checkpoint, the world’s second-largest land border crossing point. Measures are also under way to expand the capacity of the Kalotina Border Checkpoint on the border with Serbia. 

He noted that these topics will also be discussed with his Turkish counterpart during the upcoming trilateral meeting of the interior ministers of Bulgaria, Greece and Turkiye in Athens. 

Dechev recalled that the European Entry/Exit System has been fully introduced at all Bulgarian border checkpoints since April 10. He assured that all efforts are being made to reduce inspection times, including biometric data collection for third-country nationals, in order to avoid difficulties for travelers.  

Georgi Kandev expressed confidence that bilateral relations will continue to develop and strengthen, noting that the excellent professional cooperation enhances security throughout Europe. 

Sezer also recalled that Bulgaria was the first country to provide assistance after the devastating 2023 earthquake in Turkiye, once again thanking Bulgaria for its swift response and support.