site.btaDefence Ministers of Bulgaria and Albania Discuss Contributions to Strengthening NATO Capabilities

Outgoing Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov and his Albanian counterpart Pirro Vengu discussed the two countries’ contribution to the implementation of NATO measures to strengthen defence capabilities, the Defence Ministry’s press centre announced. The two ministers met on Saturday during Vengu’s working visit to Bulgaria.

The talks focused on the role of Bulgaria and Albania in implementing measures to enhance NATO’s deterrence and defence capabilities on the Alliance’s eastern flank. Particular emphasis was placed on the development of the operational capabilities of NATO’s Multinational Battlegroup in Bulgaria.

As part of the visit, the Albanian delegation, led by the defence minister, visited the Novo Selo training area. Vengu met with Albanian service members serving as part of NATO’s Multinational Battlegroup in Bulgaria and extended his greetings to them on the occasion of the upcoming New Year holidays.

In mid-September, Atanas Zapryanov paid a working visit to the Albanian capital, Tirana. During that visit, the two ministers highlighted the strategic importance of Pan-European Transport Corridor 8, cooperation within NATO, the security of the Alliance’s eastern and south-eastern flanks, as well as opportunities for joint initiatives in the defence industry.