Bulgaria and Macedonia agreed to build a border contact centre on the border they share. The agreemen was signed in Skopje by the two countries' Interior Ministers, Macedonia's Bogdana Janokuloska and Bulgaria's Mihail Mikov, Mikov's Ministry said Friday.

The agreement is important for the citizens of the two nations and for border, police and customs cooperation, Jankuloska reportedly commented. She went on to explain that the agreement will result in streamlining the procedures for crossing the border and optimize the information exchange between the border services. The Schengen rules will apply as the two countries prepare to join the Schengen area.

Mihail Mikov is quoted as saying that the agreement will also improve the efficiency of border security. "It is yet another step towards the opening up of the two countries," he said.

He vowed Bulgaria's support for the European prospects of Macedonia and said his country will lobby for the fast entry of Macedonia in the Schengen whitelist.

The Bulgarian Interior Minister expressed satisfaction with the results of police cooperation, especially in fighting organized crime. He added that the establishment of legal groundwork and practical interaction with Macedonia is a major pre-requisite for Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen area.

Source: BTA