NEWS

 

 

Current technological, economic and social aspects of defence and security, as well as the need for targeted investments in information and logistics connectivity were among the topics that President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Rumen Radev discussed with visiting General Philippe Lavigne, Supreme Allied Commander NATO Transformation.

 

The two concurred that the most significant element in the defence and security system is people and along with increasing investment in modern technologies in the defence sector, it is extremely important to put efforts into attracting and motivating young people in the sector, as there is an outflow in this respect not only in Bulgaria. President Radev highlighted the importance of joint exercises for the acquisition of real defence capabilities, conditions for which are also created by the NATO multinational battle group in this country.

 

Achieving effective interaction between NATO procedures and the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy is key to increasing the defence capabilities of member states, was the position expressed during the meeting. The discussion highlighted the need for better coordination between the investments that the EU, NATO and individual members are making in building defence capabilities and ensuring their security in order to maximise the impact of defence spending.

 

 

 

 

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.