President Rumen Radev discussed with Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer the deepening of bilateral cooperation between Bulgaria and Austria in a number of areas, as well as the subsequent strengthening of the partnership in the protection of the EU's external border, the fight against illegal migration and this country's progress towards Schengen. The talks between the two took place on the sidelines of the EPC summit in Moldova, which is attended by leaders from across Europe.

Rumen Radev highlighted the ongoing project to set up an operational working group in Bulgaria, with the assistance of Europol, to combat the powerful financial centres in a number of European countries that direct the flows of illegal migration. The head of state stressed that this country had invited all interested European countries to participate in this structure.

During the meeting, the deepening trade and economic cooperation between Bulgaria and Austria was also noted. President Radev also pointed out that at the meeting he held last week with representatives of Austrian investors and companies in Bulgaria, the results achieved in priority areas of bilateral cooperation were reported and prospects for its further expansion were outlined.