The Balkans need political will and a united clear vision for security in the region with the understanding that investments in defence are not a cost but a guarantee for peace and stability. This is what President Rumen Radev said at the opening of the 16th annual conference of the chiefs of defence of the Balkan countries, which is being held in Sofia with the participation of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, the Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Turkiye and Montenegro, as well as the observer countries Slovenia and Croatia.
The head of State pointed out that guaranteeing security requires dialogue, strengthening trust and enhancing cooperation, and the forum in Sofia is an example of such an approach. No country can tackle the security problems alone, joint efforts are needed, Rumen Radev said, noting the changes in the security environment resulting from Russian Federation's war on Ukraine. The security architecture in Europe, built over decades, is in decay, which could unleash processes of destabilisation, especially in our region, which is neighbouring the conflict, the President said, adding that the Balkan countries should prove that they are active and have a leading role in the elaboration of the new European security architecture.
In his address to the chiefs of defence, Rumen Radev pointed out that military expertise should be taken into account by policymakers in order to achieve efficiency in the overall transformation of the collective defence model and in prioritising investments, noting the importance of improving regional connectivity in its various aspects - transport, digital, energy, and railways. The war on Ukraine has shown in an undeniable way that connectivity, military mobility and logistics are key to the success of today's military operations, the President added.
Rumen Radev called for the improvement of defence compatibility not only by conducting exercises and operations, but also at an earlier stage - by developing joint capacities in military science and industry. We should also strive in contracts with our partners for the supply of military equipment and technologies to set much higher requirements and conditions for industrial cooperation, the president said, pointing out that this would lead to the modernisation of technologies.
"Our information connectivity is also very important and the possibilities to exchange information faster, easier and in a larger volume, to process it according to common criteria and algorithms and to be able to work in a single information space, Rumen Radev said, adding that this will also increase the effectiveness of the efforts to strengthen stability. The President hailed the exchange in the field of military education and training that the countries in the region have developed. Rumen Radev also expressed gratitude to the Balkan countries, which are participating in the Multinational Battle Group in this country with Italy as a framework country.
At the opening of the conference, Chief of Defence Adm. Emil Eftimov said that the forum is a significant example of regional military cooperation. Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said that in the current changed geopolitical situation our region needs a new approach to ensure its security and stability and stressed the need to develop connectivity.
This year the highlight of the conference, which Sofia is hosting, is regional military connectivity and mobility. The focus of the discussions will be on partnership in the Balkans to seek innovative ways of cooperation. Issues of common interest to the armed forces of the participating countries will be discussed in working sessions.