It is essential to work for common positions in the European Union (EU) and NATO, said Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Nadezhda Neynsky. She represented Bulgaria at the regular monthly meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union, which was held today in Luxembourg, the press center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) reported.
During the meeting, the ministers discussed key topics, including Russian aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, the South Caucasus and Sudan.
During the talks dedicated to Ukraine, Bulgaria stressed the need for unity and consistent support from the EU and its allies. “The wars in Iran and Ukraine are interconnected and form an arc of instability that spans Europe and the Middle East. These parallel conflicts risk depleting resources and creating opportunities for coordinated actions against the rules-based international order. In this context, it is essential to work towards common positions in the EU and NATO, as any fragmentation weakens our collective response“, said Minister Nejnski.
“The most important outcome of the recent bilateral contacts was the signing of a 10-year Security Cooperation Agreement. A sovereign, stable and secure Ukraine is of key importance for the security of Europe as a whole“, the Bulgarian Foreign Minister also said.
Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a 10-year security agreement between Bulgaria and Ukraine on March 30.
Neinsky also highlighted the need for concrete action at the European level. “We still have to fulfill our commitments under the 20th package of sanctions and the loan in support of Ukraine. Their implementation without delay is essential for trust in the EU. "Intensifying our efforts to disrupt the activities of the Russian shadow fleet remains an important priority in view of the security and environmental risks," said Nadezhda Neynsky.
The discussion, via videoconference, was also attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sibiga.
In the afternoon, talks on the Middle East will be held, during which Bulgaria will express support for de-escalation efforts and emphasize the importance of diplomatic solutions. The emphasis will be on the agreed ceasefire between the US and Iran and the need to preserve and effectively implement it. Particular attention will also be paid to the importance of free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the risks that its possible closure would have for the global economy. Regarding the situation in Israel and Palestine, attention will be focused on the need for tensions not to divert attention from the humanitarian and political situation in Gaza and the West Bank, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs.
The ministers will also discuss developments in the South Caucasus, with Bulgaria reaffirming its support for the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The talks will focus on the agreements reached, which represent significant progress in ending the long-standing conflict and open up opportunities for broader regional cooperation, BTA reports.