NEWS

 

 

President Rumen Radev discussed the security challenges in the region with US Permanent Representative to NATO, Julianne Smith, during a meeting in Sofia today. The complicated security environment following Russia Federation's war against Ukraine and the hostilities between Hamas and Israel, the military crisis in the South Caucasus, as well as the escalation of tensions in the Western Balkans were the focus of the talks. US Ambassador to Bulgaria Kenneth Merten also participated in the meeting.

 

The Head of State underlined the role of economic, transport and energy connectivity in our region as a key factor in strengthening stability and security and addressing the consequences of disrupted supply chains due to military crises. The strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the United States in defence, security, industrial cooperation and technology transfer, including in the process of modernisation of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, was also discussed. 

 

Statement by Head of State Iliana Iotova

For projects aimed at improving connectivity between Bulgaria and Turkiye must be viewed as a whole, to be successful, and within the context of closer cooperation in Southeastern Europe. This will bolster both economic development and security in the region, whose strategic importance is growing. This was stated by President Iliana Iotova at a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who is on a formal visit to Bulgaria.

Albulena Haxhiu expressed her gratitude to President Iotova for Bulgaria’s support on Kosovo’s path toward membership in NATO and the European Union.

Iliana Iotova raised the issue of depopulation in the area along the Bulgarian-Serbian border and highlighted the need for investment to counter the adverse demographic trend.