The head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces visits the Novo Selo training ground

After decades of focusing on counter-terrorism and peace-building away from our region, NATO is turning to its core mission of guaranteeing the territorial integrity, sovereignty and security of each individual state, said head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Rumen Radev, who today visited the Novo Selo training ground. The President attended the ceremony of Italy's taking over the battle group in Bulgaria for the enhanced vigilance measures within NATO, and reviewed the troops.

Radev recalled that three months ago NATO had adopted a new Strategic Concept which defines the security threats and risks. The document also outlines new approaches and solutions to ensure that the war in Ukraine does not spill over its territorial reach and that member states bordering the conflict can rely on the collective security system.

Today's ceremony is a milestone in building adequate defence capabilities in the face of a radically changed security environment resulting from Russia's war against Ukraine, as well as an example that the strength of the Alliance lies in our unity and solidarity, Radev pointed out. The President thanked Italy for accepting the role of a framework country and for its contribution to enhancing Bulgaria's defence potential.

The joint exercises are the best form of bolstering our interoperability and improving the interaction between our armed forces, Rumen Radev said and praised the allied countries that responded to the invitation of Bulgaria and were present with their formations in strengthening this country's security.

During his visit to the Novo Selo training ground, the head of State met with the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, Gen. Christopher Cavoli, and with the Minister of Defence of Italy, Lorenzo Guerini.