EVROS — The border in Evros is European and will be protected but it is also a symbol of European values, stated European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas, during his visit on Friday to the border station at Kipi, Evros.

"We have the largest Frontex land operation in Europe here, at this border. It is a European border that is guarded and also a border that symbolises European values because we can protect our borders while at the same time respecting human rights and freedoms and European values," Schinas said to the press.

He noted that this was his third visit to Evros and he crossed the Evros River bridge up to the border line and greeted the Greek guard and the Turkish guard there, who politely welcomed him.

Finally, Schinas met with Frontex members and later participated in a patrol along the Evros borders.

He was accompanied by the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region's governor Christos Metios.