Connectivity between the countries in Southeast Europe is important not only for their economic development, but is also a factor in NATO's collective security in the region, the president emphasises during a meeting with NATO's Deputy Secretary General

 

In the conditions of a deteriorating security setting, the modernisation of the Bulgarian Army contributes to the strengthening of NATO's collective defence throughout the region. This was stated by Head of State Rumen Radev at a meeting in Sofia with the visiting Deputy Secretary General of NATO, Radmila Sekerinska.

 

The President stressed the importance of the projects for the modernisation of the Land Forces, the Air Force and the Navy of Bulgaria and highlighted the ambitions of our country for the full involvement of the Bulgarian defence industry and science in this process. The Head of State also noted the importance of the implementation of a number of smaller projects from a financial point of view, which bring great advantages in the development of modern defence capabilities.

 

Increasing the share of GDP earmarked for defence and increasing security investments by NATO member states were also discussed during the meeting. The head of state once again called for closer cooperation between individual member states even in the process of developing and deploying new weapons, so as not to deepen the division in NATO between countries that manufacture and countries that consume defence products. Therefore, according to the president, industrial cooperation, technology transfer and the implementation of joint production are of key importance for each country to develop its defence potential and contribute to collective security.

 

Connectivity between the countries in Southeast Europe is important not only for economic development, but is also a factor of NATO's collective security in the region, the president emphasised pointing to the key importance of European Transport Corridor No. 8, the construction of which will connect the Adriatic and Black Seas.

 

The Head of State highlighted the role of the Multinational Battlegroup, led by Italy as a framework nation at the Novo Selo training ground as an example of excellent coordination and an opportunity to strengthen the interaction between the allied countries in the region. Radev praised the endeavour to achieve a higher level of training and interoperability at the base, which was visited by Radmila Sekerinska during her visit to our country.

 

Among the topics discussed during the meeting was the war in Ukraine, the resulting risks to international peace and security, as well as international initiatives to end hostilities and seek a peaceful solution through diplomacy.