Minister Mitov discussed with US officials the progress of Bulgaria towards a visa-free regime with the USA.

Minister Mitov's working visit to the USA ended with meetings at the Department of Homeland Security and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. The delegation also included the directors of the Main Directorate "National Police", the Main Directorate "Combating Organized Crime" and the Main Directorate "Border Police".

During the meeting with the Under Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Christopher Pratt, Minister Mitov stated that Bulgaria is very close to joining the US Visa Waiver Program. He pointed out that the government is proud to report significant progress on this issue and that a new trilateral meeting between the USA, the European Commission and Bulgaria will be held next week, where technical issues will be discussed. The Minister expressed hope that the assessment of the Trump administration in December will be positive, in order to successfully complete the ongoing process. He invited representatives of the Department to check on the spot the country's readiness for inclusion in the visa-free program.

In the conversation with Under Secretary Pratt, opinions were also exchanged on issues related to border security - the Bulgarian-Turkish and the American-Mexican borders.

During the meeting with the Director of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Tad Osterhout, Minister Mitov emphasized that after the political turmoil and instability of the last 4 years, Bulgaria now has a stable regular government, determined to restore the country among the serious partners of the USA and the EU. He assured that the Ministry of Interior, in close cooperation with the Bureau's staff, will be a reliable protection and will identify potential threats.

The Minister categorically stated that the Ministry of Interior and the new Bulgarian government are mobilized to effectively fight human trafficking and illegal migration.

At the end of his visit, Minister Mitov expressed special thanks to the Bulgarian chargé d'affaires in the USA, Stefka Yovcheva, and the liaison officer of the Ministry of Interior in Washington, Ivaylo Genkov, for the excellent preparation and organization of the visit.