Foreign Minister: EU, NATO Offer Best Framework for Protecting Bulgaria's National Interests

UPDATED Foreign Minister: EU, NATO Offer Best Framework for Protecting Bulgaria's National Interests

Metodi Yordanov, Borislava Bibinovska

Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova at the conference in Sofia, July 20, 2026 (BTA Photo/Blagoy Kirilov)

Sofia,

20.07.2026 09:35 | UPDATED 20.07.2026 09:54

(BTA)

The Government will work with the clear understanding that the European Union (EU) and NATO provide the most favourable environment for safeguarding Bulgaria's national interests, and with the firm conviction that a country such as Bulgaria cannot accept a world of spheres of influence and the redrawing of borders through the use of force, Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova said at the opening of the Annual Conference with the participation of the heads of Bulgaria's foreign missions, held here on Monday.

The Bulgarian people have given the Government a clear mandate to overcome the period of political stagnation, put an end to a foreign policy dictated from abroad, and position Bulgaria as a predictable partner - one that pursues its own national interests while sharing the values of, and contributing to, the alliances of which it is a member, Bulgaria's top diplomat said at the forum.

According to Minister Petrova, Bulgaria's international partners now regard the Government as an interlocutor with a long-term governing horizon. "They know that Bulgaria is capable and has the capacity and ability to contribute to security in Southeastern Europe, to the energy and transport connectivity of our region with the rest of the world, and to the protection of the EU's external borders," she added.

"Our generation is unlikely to have the luxury of living in a period of stability, with clearly defined blocs and shared aspirations and interests," Petrova said. In her words, the world is becoming increasingly unstable, turbulent and multipolar. "Increasingly, the right of force is being used in one form or another in international relations at the expense of diplomacy and joint development," she noted.

Petrova stressed the role of diplomacy in achieving tangible results. She said this is essential for attracting more investment to Bulgaria, strengthening this country's competitiveness and advancing other national priorities.

Protecting the rights of Bulgaria's historical and contemporary diaspora and improving consular services will be key priorities, she said. "It is our duty to create the conditions for those who wish to return to their homeland to do so," Petrova emphasized.

Strengthening cultural diplomacy will also be among the Government's priorities.

The Foreign Minister concluded by thanking Bulgarian diplomats for their efforts and their contribution to this country's development.

/MY/