Presidents of Portugal, Bulgaria call for joint efforts to solve refugee crisis

Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva and his visiting Bulgarian counterpart Rosen Plevneliev called on Monday for joint efforts of European countries to solve the ongoing refugee crisis with a global and comprehensive view.

"The refugee crisis requires joint efforts. Portugal and Bulgaria represent part of the solution but it requires a common European approach," Plevneliev told a joint press conference after meeting with Cavaco Silva at the Belem Palace in Lisbon.

Cavaco Silva said the position of the two countries on the refugee crisis was "highly constructive." He stressed the need to "look at the reasons" at the origin of the crisis, pointing to the summit scheduled for next week in Malta, saying "countries of origin, transit and destination working together" is important.

Plevneliev stressed the importance of an "ambitious European foreign policy" to contribute to the resolution of conflict which caused the refugee crisis.

European and African leaders will gather at the Malta summit in Valletta during Nov. 11-12.

Plevneliev began his two-day official visit to Portugal on Monday. He also met with Portuguese Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho and Parliament Speaker Ferro Rodrigues during his visit. Endit