site.btaGreek Defence Minister Dendias to Visit Bulgaria for Security Talks

Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias will visit Bulgaria on Thursday at the invitation of caretaker Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov. The two ministers and the delegations they lead will discuss current issues in the field of security and defence, the Bulgarian Defence Ministry’s press centre said.

Greek TV ERT reports that the talks are expected to focus on cooperation in the area of defence systems and the SAFE programme of the EU.

Last week, Greece assured Bulgaria it would provide assistance for the country’s missile defence with air defence assets and military personnel. Bulgaria’s Defence Ministry explained that a Greek Patriot air defence system has been deployed in an area of northern Greece and will provide missile defence coverage for a large part of Bulgarian territory. In addition, two F-16 aircraft will reinforce the protection of Bulgaria’s airspace. Two Greek Air Force officers will be seconded to Sofia to coordinate with the Bulgarian military command.

The Greek Patriot air defence system is already on duty and full coverage has been achieved, Atanas Zapryanov said. Bulgaria’s air defence troops are highly trained and are also participating, he added. Zapryanov stressed that the measures are not being taken because of a direct military threat to Bulgaria. “We are obliged to take measures against potential threats as well,” the minister explained.

Greece provided assistance after Bulgaria requested reinforcement of its missile defence system following missiles launched by Iran toward Turkiye on March 4.

Atanas Zapryanov and Nikos Dendias will make a joint statement to the media later on Thursday. The Bulgarian Defence Minister said on Wednesday that Dendias will also meet caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov.