Bulgaria expects timely support from its allies for preserving and modernising the defence capability of its armed forces. This is what Head of State Rumen Radev said today at a meeting with NATO Military Committee Chair, Admiral Rob Bauer. During the talk, the two discussed the security risks and threats stemming from the war in Ukraine, as well as the measures taken to enhance the deterrence and defence potential of the alliance's eastern flank.

The Head of State expressed his high appreciation for the support lent by the Netherlands for the protection of the Bulgarian airspace, as well as for the excellent cooperation of the Bulgarian contingent in the formation and training of the alliance's battalion battle group on the territory of Bulgaria.

The two shared the view that the dynamic changes in the security environment requires a rethinking of the way NATO's European members invest in their defence capabilities. Radev reiterated his call for putting aside the division within NATO into producer and buyer countries by proceeding with the joint development and deployment of defence technologies and equipment, an opportunity provided by the DIANA mechanism. This is also the most direct way to achieving interoperability between the different member states, the President concluded.