Against the backdrop of the dynamic security environment, addressing the deficit of critical capabilities requires overcoming the deep fragmentation in European defence science and defence and broad cooperation between European countries. This was stated by President Rumen Radev today at a forum where modern technologies in the field of defence and security were presented. The event is organised by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Bulgaria and provides an opportunity for Bulgarian and Czech institutions and companies in the defence sector to establish contacts and discuss the prospects for potential partnerships and exchange of experience.

 

The head of state pointed out that Bulgaria and the Czech Republic are connected by friendship and deep historical ties and are developing constructive relations in a number of areas. The Czech Republic is among Bulgaria's leading trade and economic partners, with trade constantly growing, and Czech investments in Bulgaria covering more and more areas of the economy. Therefore, Rumen Radev emphasised, all conditions are in place to continue successful cooperation in the field of the defence industry.

 

The geopolitical context and security environment pushes us irreversibly to work together, the head of state said in his speech. According to the president, the security architecture is crumbling before our eyes, the war in Ukraine is intensifying and expanding its spatial scope, and against the backdrop of this global geopolitical dynamic, the United States is quite naturally focusing its attention on the Pacific Ocean.

 

The way to guarantee peace and security in Europe is to take much greater responsibility for our own security and to develop such defence capabilities that can counter any potential threat, the president said. This also means investing much more in the development of modern defence capabilities. Not only to replenish the reserves of conventional means, but also to develop new technologies, Rumen Radev pointed out.

 

The President also noted that the Czech Republic's defence industry is well known worldwide. The Bulgarian defence industry, for its part, has long-standing rich traditions and a secure presence in international markets, added Rumen Radev and stressed that our country is among the European leaders in the production of ammunition and light weaponry. Our companies are successfully expanding their portfolio with the development of new technologies - drones, anti-drone systems, optics, electronic warfare systems, protection systems and other innovative production. Therefore, according to the President, today's forum gives us the opportunity to look beyond trade, to focus our attention on the opportunities to design, develop and produce together, thereby contributing to the growth of Europe's defence capabilities, as well as to enter the markets of third countries much more successfully together.

 

The head of state also pointed out that our country is implementing a profound modernisation program in the Bulgarian Army and highlighted the prospects for cooperation with the Czech industry in the process of increasing Bulgarian defence capabilities. He also noted the successful cooperation between the Bulgarian and Czech sides in maintaining the L-39 Albatross combat training aircraft, which are used to train pilots in our Air Force, as well as the opportunities for it to be deepened.

 

To the participants in the event, Rumen Radev also highlighted the investment advantages that our country provides, including a strategic geographical location, a highly qualified workforce, low operating costs, state support for the rapid establishment and development of successful production, and low corporate tax.

 

Among the participants in the forum were the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Bulgaria, Miroslav Toman, representatives of the Ministries of Defence of Bulgaria and the Czech Republic, as well as representatives of companies in the field of defence and security.