OREANDA-NEWS. Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and the President of the European Council Donald Tusk discussed today the preparation for the summit of EU heads of state and government that will take place in Bratislava on 16 September. The phone conversation was on the initiative of Tusk, who will also hold preliminary consultations with the rest of the members of the European Council.

Donald Tusk noted that the main topic at the forthcoming summit will be the migrant crisis in Europe and the quest for a common European solution. In this context, Prime Minister Borissov informed President Tusk about the talks held in Turkey with the Turkish President Erdogan and the Turkish Prime Minister Yildirim, as well as the discussions in a broader format hosted by the German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The Prime Minister presented the current situation at the Bulgarian borders, as well as the actions taken by our country to limit the entries by illegal migrants on the territory of the EU.

Prime Minister Borissov confirmed his position that EU countries and Turkey should seek mutual understanding for their problems and all sides in solidarity should make efforts to implement the agreements reached and commitments made. “Personally, I am convinced by your words and I am ready to assist and facilitate the achievement of practical results. For us Bulgaria is an important partner and we rely on your opinion as a Prime Minister,” Tusk said during the conversation. He congratulated the Prime Minister on his active diplomacy at the meetings in Turkey and Germany and added that this approach should continue in the future.

Borissov and Tusk noted that implementing the March agreement is at the core of the partnership between the EU and Turkey. The President of the European Council also pointed out that at the discussions in the Slovak capital he will insist on a common position in support of the Bulgarian state, which as an external EU border at the moment prevents the expansion of the migrant crisis. He suggested that Prime Minister Borissov should lay out additional requests for support in terms of funding, human resources and technical equipment.

The two also discussed the possibility for a visit to Bulgaria by Donald Tusk during which they would make a study trip to the Bulgarian borders.