At a meeting in Istanbul, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov discussed the priorities of the current Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

PM Borissov said that Bulgaria was interested in normalizing the dialogue between Ankara and Brussels and would try to contribute to achieving understanding that would solve rather than create problems.

Borissov and Erdogan assessed highly recent positive dynamics in relations between the two countries, as well as Turkey's contribution to curbing migratory pressure on the Bulgarian border and Europe as a whole. It was pointed out that intensification of bilateral contacts at political and expert’s level in recent months has stimulated development of relations in important areas such as agriculture, transport, energy.

Prime Minister Borissov thanked President Erdogan for his personal commitment and for the efforts of the Turkish state put in restoring the St. Stephen Church in Istanbul. He pointed out that today's opening of the renewed temple was not only a proof of cooperation between the two neighboring countries and of tolerance between religions, but was also an example that understanding and peace are the right path towards making progress on all issues.