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Greek Minister for Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis and Bulgarian Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhievsigned the agreement in Sofia on Tuesday, reinforcing bilateral efforts to tackle transnational criminal networks.<\/p>\n
According to Greece\u2019s Ministry of Citizen Protection, Chrysochoidis highlighted the \u201csubstantial and measurable results\u201d already achieved through cooperation between the two countries and outlined priorities for expanding joint operations.<\/p>\n
A key element of the agreement extends the operational framework of the Kulata\u2013Promachonas Joint Police Cooperation Contact Centre, a strategic border facility used to coordinate law enforcement activities.<\/p>\n
Greek authorities said the crossing requires enhanced policing and stricter controls because criminal networks use the route to traffic drugs, weapons, and smuggled goods.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are jointly strengthening the protection of the European Union\u2019s external borders while reinforcing security along our internal borders through rapid information exchange and joint operational action,\u201d Chrysochoidis said.<\/p>\n
He added that both countries would accelerate implementation of the agreement by expanding cooperation between their organized crime units.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will intensify our efforts to deliver a decisive blow against organized criminal groups while also combating corruption, which is a disease of democracy,\u201d he said. \u201cOur services will work together with determination and dedication for the benefit of our societies.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the official visit, Hellenic Police Chief Lieutenant General Dimitrios Mallios and Bulgarian Interior Ministry Secretary General Lyubomir Nikolov also signed two additional police cooperation protocols.<\/p>\n
The protocols establish procedures for joint cross-border patrols and police pursuits between the two neighbouring countries, further strengthening operational coordination.<\/p>\n
The Greek delegation included senior officers from the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and the Directorate of International Police Cooperation.<\/p>\n
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