NATO commander praises Bulgaria's defence spending

Bulgaria is working actively to strengthen the principles of unity and solidarity and to reinforce NATO as the strongest defence alliance, Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said during a meeting on Thursday with NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the Defence Ministry said in a press release.

The two discussed the current security environment and the Alliance's increased deterrence and defence requirements.

"The changing nature of warfare requires NATO member states to acquire effective capabilities," Stoyanov said.

He added that the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara should also demonstrate the political will to transform the Alliance in line with the NATO 3.0 Strategy, CE Report quotes BTA.

"Challenging times call for leadership," the minister said, adding that securing the sustainable long-term funding needed to achieve this goal remains a challenge for many Allies, including Bulgaria. He stressed, however, that meeting NATO commitments, developing defence capabilities and maintaining a strong defence industry are matters of responsibility.

Gen. Grynkewich described Bulgaria as a key and reliable Ally. He commended the country's efforts to increase defence spending and translate it into real capabilities, its active contribution to NATO's deterrence and defence activities on the Alliance's eastern flank, and the participation of the Bulgarian Armed Forces in the NATO mission in Kosovo.

Chief of Defence Adm. Emil Eftimov and Deputy Defence Ministers Lyubomir Monov and Katerina Gramatikova-Ivanova also attended the meeting, the ministry said.

Photo by Defence Ministry of Bulgaria