President Prokopis Pavlopoulos and visiting Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov met at the Presidential Mansion in Greece on Wednesday to discuss the strengthening of bilateral relations between Greece and Bulgaria. Pavlopoulos stressed that the already very good relations between the two countries can become even better.

Pavlopoulos noted that the two countries could collaborate on the refugee crisis, underlining the shared sensitivities between the two countries according to their culture. The refugees are human beings that need protection, he stressed. The Greek leader added his concern of the tide of bodies being washed ashore in the Mediterranean.

On Middle Eastern issues, Pavlopoulos underlined the need for the two countries to cooperate to stop the conflict in Syria because, as long as this war continues the refugees inflow will continue.

Mitov conveyed Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev regards adding that preparations are underway for Pavlopoulos’ official visit to Sofia over the coming weeks.