Czech Republic Firmly Backs Bulgaria's Schengen Agreement Bid

Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev (R) and his Czech counterpart Vaclav Klaus (L). Photo by BGNES

The Czech Republic stands firmly behind Bulgaria's Schengen entry, Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev stated after meeting with his Czech counterpart Vaclav Klaus.

Plevnelev declared that the Czech support for his country's Schengen aspirations was "full and unconditional."

"With its clear actions, Bulgaria showed it is a responsible member state, proving beyond doubt that it can cope better than many countries when it comes to guarding the Schengen borders," the Bulgarian President told reporters.

He reiterated his hope that a positive development on Bulgaria's Schengen bid will arrive in September.

According to Vaclav Claus, discrimination has not been the reason why Bulgaria's is yet to be welcomed to EU's border-free zone. Instead, he believes that the Balkan country has been "underestimated" and not known well enough.

"And that is a bigger problem than open discrimination," he pointed out.

Klaus arrived on a working visit in Bulgaria on Tuesday.

Topics on the agenda were expected to include expansion of the active political dialogue and partnership between Bulgaria and the Czech Republic in economy, trade, culture, science and education, and in the frame of the European Union, the Bulgarian presidency said.

The Czech President had planned to meet with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov at 2 pm EET. However, the PM traveled to the city of Kardzhali instead in order to hold talks with protesting workers of the Lead and Zinc Complex.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!