Bulgaria's membership in NATO contributes to regional security
22 January 2015 News
"Bulgaria's membership in NATO as a loyal and predictable ally guarantees the security of the country and contributes to the security of the whole region and all NATO allies," said Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov at his meeting today with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who is on an official visit to Sofia at the invitation of the head of state.
Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov and the Secretary General of the Alliance discussed the most important issues on NATO’s agenda, focusing on regional and energy security and the implementation of the NATO Readiness Action Plan, which was approved by the Heads of State and Government at the NATO Summit in Wales in September 2014. The Plan is a comprehensive package of measures to address threats to the security of NATO Member States as a result of the events in Ukraine and the developments of the situation in the Middle East and North Africa.
Mitov and Stoltenberg also discussed the issue of modernization of the Bulgarian armed forces and improving their interoperability. The Secretary General emphasized that Bulgaria's contribution to regional security in South East Europe, as well as its participation in NATO operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan are of crucial importance for the Alliance. He pointed out that Bulgaria is a key country in terms of energy security - an issue of strategic importance for NATO.
Regarding NATO-Russia relations, the two sides confirmed that a clear and convincing change in Russia's actions is needed which will demonstrate compliance with the international law and principles. They further noted that the doors to dialogue with Russia are open but for now there is lack of trust on which this dialogue should be based.
NATO's enlargement was also discussed and the Bulgarian Foreign Minister noted that Bulgaria is a consistent supporter of the Open door policy, including towards the countries of the Western Balkans. Stoltenberg said that the most important message he wants to send from Sofia is that the Alliance is determined to do everything necessary in order to protect the allies and to guarantee their security.
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