In the conditions of a deteriorated security environment, the modernization of the Bulgarian Army contributes to the strengthening of NATO's collective defense throughout the region. This was stated by the Head of State Rumen Radev at a meeting at the presidential institution with the Deputy Secretary General of NATO Radmila Shekerinska, who is visiting Bulgaria, the press center of our head of state announced.
The President emphasized the importance of the projects for the modernization of the Land Forces, Air Force and Navy of Bulgaria and highlighted the ambitions of our country for the full participation of the Bulgarian defense 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 defense capabilities.
The increase in the share of GDP allocated to defense and the increase in investments in the security sector by NATO member states were also discussed during the meeting.
The Head of State once again called for closer cooperation between the individual member states even in the process of development and implementation of new weapons, so as not to deepen the division in NATO between producing countries and consuming countries of defense 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 defense 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 emphasized during the meeting and emphasized the key importance of the 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 Battle Group with the framework country Italy at the “Novo Selo“ training ground as an example of excellent coordination and an opportunity to strengthen the interaction between allied countries in the region.
Rumen Radev welcomed the efforts to achieve a higher level of preparation and interoperability at the base, which was visited by Radmila Shekerinska 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.