Head of State Rumen Radev today held a meeting with students and lecturers from the Air War College in the United States. Susan Falatko, US Charge d'Affaires ad interim, also took part in the talks. The Head of State graduated with honours in 2003 with a Master's degree in Strategic Studies from the college.

 

The conversation focused on the security environment and the regional and international challenges that arise from multiple and intertwining crises, including military ones. Various approaches to ending the military conflict in Ukraine were discussed, as well as Europe's role in this process. Against the backdrop of the challenges, the head of state recalled Bulgaria's place as a guarantor of energy diversification and transport connectivity in the Balkans and Southeast Europe.

 

The partnership between Bulgaria and the United States in the field of defence and security was highlighted, as well as the cooperation between our countries on the modernisation of the Bulgarian army. The President stressed that along with the large modernisation projects of the Armed Forces, investment is also needed in small projects that guarantee asymmetric superiority. The head of state also pointed out that besides the acquisition of defence equipment, the continuation of joint exercises and the exchange of experience are crucial for the development of modern defence capabilities. In this regard, President Radev also highlighted the importance of training Bulgarian service people in the United States.

 

The representatives of the Air War College presented the Head of State with a statuette of an eagle, and in turn the President presented the university with a plaque of the Madara Horseman as a symbol of the centuries-old Bulgarian statehood and culture.