The Ministers of the Interior of Slovakia and Bulgaria discussed the relations between the two Ministries, the parameters of the existing co-operation and future development perspectives.

Rumen Petkov and Robert Kaliňák said they were satisfied with the work of the related structures in key areas as drug trafficking, currency counterfeiting, etc.

Joining the Schengen area is the next big challenge after our country’s accession to the EU, Minister Petkov said. The successful completion of the Schengen integration preparations is among the main priorities for our Ministry of Interior. The Bulgarian Minister informed his colleague with the steps undertaken so far.

He underlined the significance of the Common Declaration for joining the Schengen area signed by Bulgaria and Romania during the EU Council of Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs informal meeting held in Ljubljana (Slovenia) at the end of January.

The document states March 2011 as the the final date for joining in the Schengen zone for both countries.