Interior minister Ivan Demerdzhiev has called for closer international cooperation against organised crime, speaking in Vienna, the Bulgarian interior ministry press office said. He said Bulgaria is ready to deepen its partnership with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

Demerdzhiev is on a working visit to Austria. He spoke at the 13th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. He confirmed Bulgaria's support for the Convention, which he called the basis of international cooperation.

"Transnational organised crime is growing faster than ever, uses new technology, moves into the legal economy and undermines the security of our societies," the minister said.

He said countries need closer coordination, timely sharing of information and joint action suited to the new threats. He named cybercrime, illegal drug trafficking, human trafficking, corruption and environmental crime.

The minister also pointed to the need to protect children and young people from being drawn into crime, and to manage borders well.

Demerdzhiev said lasting results are possible only with strong institutions that enforce the law, consistent rules on prevention, protection for victims, and partnership with civil society and the private sector. In his view, it is not enough to take down the leaders of criminal groups. Everything that supports their activity must be dismantled, he said.

In Vienna, the minister also met Ghada Waly, executive director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. They discussed the most important parts of the office's work, deeper cooperation through joint projects, sharing of experience and building up the capacity of institutions. They also spoke about closer professional contacts against drug trafficking and cross-border crime.

The talks confirmed Bulgaria's ambition to play a more active role in setting international rules against crime. "Bulgaria is ready to be an active and reliable partner of the UN – not only with political support, but also with expertise, specific projects and practical results," Demerdzhiev said.

Earlier the same day, he discussed with Austrian interior minister Gerhard Karner how to improve security in the Black Sea, and how the two countries can work together in this area.