site.btaAustrian Chancellor Stocker: Bulgaria Is Important Partner to Austria, EU in Fighting Illegal Migration

In the fight against illegal migration Bulgaria is an extremely important partner to Austria and the whole European Union, Austrian Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker said during a joint statement with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov on Friday. The two took part in the 29th Europa-Forum Wachau in Austria.

The Chancellor thanked Bulgaria for having taken seriously Austria's concerns about the protection of the external EU border. He added that both countries believe that for a successful European policy on asylum and migration there must be certain priorities. On the one hand is the implementation of the pact on asylum and migration, and on the other one is the strengthening of competitiveness at EU level. He said that Austrian businesses should be able to focus on innovation and growth.

Stocker said: "We are still reeling from the shock of the terrible act of June 10 that cost ten lives - nine young people and a teacher. At times like this, it is very comforting to feel the solidarity and support of Europe and the whole world, and that is why I would like to thank you, first of all, Rosen. Thank you for the very fruitful and trusting meeting and exchange we had yesterday in Vienna and today in Wachau."

He pointed to Bulgaria and Austria's excellent relations and added: "We recently celebrated 145 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and in January, we opened in Sofia the Austrian cultural forum for dialogue between Austria and Bulgaria in the field of science and culture." The Chancellor pointed out that the two countries are very closely linked with Austria being Bulgaria's second largest investor and employing more than 30,000 people in Bulgaria.

Stocker said that during the summit in Tirana a month earlier, he and Zhelyazkov were unanimous that only through coordinated cooperation can solutions to the challenges of our time be reached. He added that Austria sees two priorities – tackling illegal migration and boosting competitiveness.

The Chancellor congratulated Zhelyazkov for Bulgaria's fulfilling the criteria for entry into the euro area as well as into the Schengen area. He shared his conviction that Bulgaria's accession to the euro area will contribute to the unity and stability of the EU.