“At all my meetings, I receive recognition and appreciation for the work of the Bulgarian troops in Afghanistan,” Bulgarian President and armed forces Commander-in-Chief Rosen Plevneliev told officers and troops of the Bulgarian contingent. On the eve of Bulgaria’s National Day, March 3, the President stated his appreciation and respect for Bulgarian service personnel who honorably are fulfilling their responsible and difficult task in strengthening security in Afghanistan.

Rosen Plevneliev is the first head of state of a member state of NATO to visit Afghanistan in the crisis situation of recent days. There is a universally positive assessment of the contribution of the Bulgarian military contingent, which is perceived as a reliable partner, responsibly and conscientiously fulfilling the mission assigned to it, the President said.

Earlier today, President Rosen Plevneliev had a meeting with the Commander of ISAF, General John Allen, at which the contribution of the Bulgarian contingent so far as well as the future tasks before it were discussed. General Allen gave a high appraisal of the role of Bulgaria’s troops in Afghanistan.

The President briefed General Allen on strategy for transforming the military participation of Bulgaria.