Greek police officers are to carry out joint patrols with their Bulgarian counterparts in the Bulgarian ski resort of Bansko as of Monday, under a bilateral cooperation agreement signed by the two neighbouring countries.

Greek Police Chief Lieutenant General Yiannis Rahovitsas is due to visit the Bulgarian resort on Monday in order to meet his Bulgarian counterpart and inaugurate the project, which is taking place for the first time.

Two Greek police officers have been in Bansko since January 16 and their presence aims to assist Greek tourists in Bansko, ensuring their safety and security, while also helping to tackle organised crime.

European Union rules allow joint patrols by the police forces of two neighbouring countries for a radius of 10 kilometres on either side of the border line but the agreement between Greece and Bulgaria extends the jurisdiction of joint action further.