site.btaBulgaria Seeks Greater Participation in Security Programmes, Interior Minister Demerdzhiev Says during US Visit

Bulgaria will seek greater participation in programmes aimed at strengthening security, Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said during a working visit to the United States, the Interior Ministry's press centre said on Saturday. Demerdzhiev is in the US to attend the Resurgence of Political Terrorism conference organized by the US Department of State.

During the visit, the Bulgarian delegation met with officials from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) at the US Department of the Treasury. According to the Interior Ministry, the Bulgarian side received information concerning the circumvention of sanctions imposed under the Global Magnitsky Act by individuals and entities in Bulgaria.

Demerdzhiev also held talks with Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian D. Skaret of the US Department of Justice.

His meeting with DiNanno focused on the current security environment, efforts to counter transnational threats, the protection of critical infrastructure, counterterrorism and the need to strengthen international cooperation among the competent authorities. Demerdzhiev highlighted Bulgaria's efforts to protect the EU's external borders, combat illegal migration and reinforce domestic security.

Regarding the US Visa Waiver Program, the Bulgarian side stressed that joining the programme remains a national priority and expressed hope for the continued support of the US administration. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining an active political dialogue and practical cooperation on international security and resilience against emerging threats.

"The United States offers numerous programmes to its partners, including financial assistance, training, exchanges of expertise and experience, as well as joint operations. We expressed our wish to participate more actively in these programmes," Demerdzhiev was quoted as saying by the Interior Ministry.

In his meeting with Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian D. Skaret, Demerdzhiev said the talks provided an opportunity to discuss expanding professional and operational cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including combating corruption and conducting financial investigations.

"We also discussed individuals who evade sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act, as well as those who facilitate such practices," Demerdzhiev said. He added that the possibility of initiating federal prosecutions in such cases had also been discussed.

"Bulgaria values the practical experience it has gained through its cooperation with the United States and would like the next stage of this partnership to focus even more on complex cross-border cases and achieving tangible institutional results. We highly appreciate our cooperation with the Department and are ready to further develop it in areas of mutual interest, including combating cybercrime, terrorism, counterfeiting of payment instruments, investment and other financial fraud, and trafficking in cultural and historical property," the Interior Minister said.