NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will pay an official visit to our country within the spring session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly , which will be held in the NDK from May 24 to 27. This became clear from the words of the Acting Minister of Defense, Gen. Atanas Zapryanov on the air of NOVA NEWS.
„It is an honor for us that Sofia will host this forum when it marks exactly 20 years since our accession to NATO,” Minister Zapryanov pointed out.
During the event, which is expected to be attended by around 700 delegates from the parliaments of all the member states of the Alliance, the Acting Minister of Defense explained that we will present to them the NATO battle group in Novo Selo, which would represent “ genuine interest“ for them.
A parliamentary delegation from Ukraine is also expected to arrive at the forum, as military aid to Kiev will be among the central topics of conversation. In this aspect, when asked if we can provide something more to Ukraine, the minister answered that it is possible, but only “if we have excess things”.
Minister Zapryanov also assured that Bulgaria will continue the anti-mine operation in the Black Sea with Romania and Turkey in order to ensure the safety of shipping in the region.
Regarding the reconstruction of the “Graf Ignatievo“ airbase, which is supposed to receive the new F-16 fighters, the line minister expressed hope that the repair works will be completed on time and specified that he expects by November to receive certification from the US that the airport is fit to shelter American planes.