Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov asked for increased EU funding to be provided to the country in order to deal with the increasing migratory pressure.

Mitov made this statement during his participation in a regular meeting of the EU's Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday.

The increasing migratory pressure on the EU's borders was among the main topics of the agenda, the ministry's press service reports.

An agreement was reached on the need for an all-encompassing approach and measures for coping with and management of the increasing migratory waves in the Mediterranean and along the EU's southern land border, which includes Bulgaria.

The need of increasing cooperation between the countries of origin and transit was highlighted, as well as the design of programmes for protection, voluntary return and reintegration of refugees to their home lands.

Special attention was devoted to the countries that are most heavily affected from the migratory pressure.

In his statement at the meeting, Mitov highlighted the need for financial help to Bulgaria to address both the increasing migratory pressure as well as the refugees that are already in the country.

According to him, a greater synergy based on the solidarity approach is required among the member states.

The foreign ministers also discussed the preparations for the Eastern Partnership summit, which is to take place in Riga in May.

It was highlighted that the Eastern Partnership aims at establishing common democratic space, prosperity and stability and is not hostile towards anyone.

The EU reaffirmed its readiness to develop its political ties and economic integration with the countries of the Eastern Partnership.

The importance of the visa liberalisation process was pointed out as means for stimulating reforms and developing cooperation with the eastern partners.

The crisis in Libya was also among the topics of discussion and the ministers expressed their full support for the negotiations, led by the UN Secretary General Special Representative Bernardino Leon, on reaching reconciliation and forming a government of national unity.

The opportunities for aiding the stabilisation of the country were reviewed, highlighting the importance of cooperation with Libya's neighbours and regional organisations, such as the Arab League and the African Union, in dealing with common threats such as human and arms trafficking and terrorism.

The Council adopted the strategy of the EU on Syria, Iraq and the threat from IS, which lists actions for aiding the restoration of peace and security in Syria and Iraq as well as helping the countries affected by the crisis.

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