President of Italy Sergio Mattarella is on an official visit to Bulgaria, following the invitation of his counterpart Rosen Plevneliev. Both have discussed in private the challenges that the EU is facing, the migration crisis, issues in the sphere of security and options for deepening of bilateral trade and economic cooperation. “Bulgaria and Italy have deep spiritual and historical relations. Today we are friends and allies that share and defend European values,” said President Rosen Plevneliev after his meeting with President Sergio Mattarella. He commented that some 130,000 tourists from Italy visit Bulgaria each year and that Italy is the second largest market for Bulgarian goods after Germany. Mr. Plevneliev pointed out that Bulgaria supported Italy in its fight with terrorism. He underlined on the migrant crisis: “We need to look for a sustainable and effective solution to the problems in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.” “Italy supports Bulgaria for its Schengen accession,” the Italian president said in his turn. He added that “we have a common vision on what the EU should implement and develop. We share the view that at this moment - after the Brexit, the EU’s expansion options towards the West Balkans should be enhanced”. On September 14 President Sergio Mattarella will take part in the 12th Arraiolos Group Meeting of the EU Non-Executive Heads of State, held in the city of Plovdiv.