Meeting Between Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Georg Georgiev and the Acting Head of Mission of the Embassy of the United States in Sofia, Mr Martin McDowell
17 October 2025 News
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Georg Georgiev, received today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Acting Head of Mission of the Embassy of the United States in Sofia, Mr Martin McDowell. During the meeting, both sides confirmed that the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the United States continues to develop on an upward trajectory. They discussed the tangible results achieved in bilateral cooperation in priority areas such as security and defence, energy, and exchange in various fields.
From the American side, the commitment was reaffirmed for the delivery, within the coming days, of two additional F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft, as well as, if possible, the remaining two aircraft from the first tranche by the end of 2025. Delivery is also beginning of the Stryker armoured combat vehicles, with Bulgaria benefiting from a technology transfer for their assembly in the country, which, in the words of Mr McDowell, represents further evidence of the strategic nature of relations with the United States and of Bulgaria’s role as a security contributor in the region.
Minister Georg Georgiev informed the American diplomat that Bulgaria’s inclusion in the United States Visa Waiver Program remains a key national priority. He highlighted the significant progress made by the Bulgarian Government in meeting the required criteria and expressed the expectation that the American side will outline a clear timeline for Bulgaria’s accession to the Program.
Representatives of the U.S. Embassy informed that Bulgaria’s progress has been positively noted by the authorities in Washington, D.C.
Within the framework of the meeting, the two sides also discussed opportunities to enhance joint cooperation between Bulgaria and the United States within the United Nations and its specialised organisations and agencies, emphasising the importance of a coordinated approach in addressing global challenges based on shared goals and priorities.