Ambassador Kenneth Merten praised the cooperation of Bulgaria's Ministry of Interior and US law enforcement agencies

The US Ambassador to Bulgaria, Kenneth Merten, highly appreciated the cooperation of the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior and the US law enforcement agencies.

Merten met with caretaker Minister of Interior, Kalin Stoyanov, at the Ministry of Interior on August 1. At the meeting, Ambassador Merten noted that Bulgaria is not only a strategic partner but also an ally and friend of the United States. He highlighted the positive change and efforts he has observed over the last year regarding Bulgaria's accession process to the US Visa Waiver Program and paid special attention to the active and deeper dialogue with the Ministry of Interior on the topic.

"We appreciate the support of the US and our strategic partnership," Minister Stoyanov said at the beginning of the meeting, adding that the MoI has excellent relations with the FBI, DEA, Secret Service, as well as the Regional Security Office.

During the meeting, Minister Stoyanov and Ambassador Merten also discussed topics related to the fight against human trafficking, countering illegal migration and cooperation in response to cybercrime, in particular online piracy.

In addition, Ambassador Merten expressed his solidarity with the Bulgarian citizens and authorities in their fight against the wildfires.

As a token of his gratitude, Minister Kalin Stoyanov presented H. E. Kenneth Merten the commemorative plaque of the Ministry of Interior on the occasion of 145 years since the establishment of the institution.