Borisov, Orban Exchange Gifts Ahead of Meeting

Bulgarian Prime Minister (R) presents his Hungarian counerpart Viktor Orban (L) with a phiale (libation bowl) of the Bulgarian khans - the medieval rulers of the country. Photo: Facebook page of Boyko Borisov

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban, who arrived on a visit to Sofia on Thursday evening, exchanged gifts at the official dinner ahead of their meeting on Friday.

Borisov presented Orban with a phiale (libation bowl) of the Bulgarian khans – the medieval rulers of the country.

The Hungarian guest gifted his Bulgarian host with an authentic sword dating back to 1837.

Borisov and Orban will discuss on Friday the opportunities for deepening the cooperation between Bulgaria and Hungary as well as topics of mutual interest.

Issues from the EU agenda, most likely the ongoing migrant crisis, are also expected to be among the topics of discussion.

The visit of Orban comes at a time when members of the Hungarian government have repeatedly expressed support for the accession of Bulgaria to the Schengen Area.

In the beginning of the month, the Hungarian prime minister said in an interview that Bulgaria should be admitted to the Schengen Area in order for the EU to be able to deal more effectively with the refugee crisis.

During his visit to Sofia last week, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto reaffirmed his country's support for Bulgarian accession to the Schengen Area in view of the migrant influx.

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