site.btaDefence Minister Zapryanov, Italian Ambassador Apicella Discuss Strategic Partnership

On September 10, Bulgaria’s Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov held a meeting with the Ambassador of the Italian Republic to Bulgaria, Marcello Apicella, to discuss key issues on the bilateral defence and security agenda, the Defence Ministry said in a press release on Wednesday.

The talks underscored the excellent military cooperation between the two countries, which continues to deepen within the framework of their strategic partnership in defence. Particular emphasis was placed on the fruitful collaboration aimed at strengthening Euro-Atlantic unity and solidarity, as well as on enhancing NATO’s deterrence and defence capabilities. In this context, Minister Zapryanov once again expressed gratitude for Italy’s significant role as the framework nation of NATO’s Multinational Battlegroup in Bulgaria.

Both sides reaffirmed their full solidarity with Ukraine, supporting its legitimate efforts to resist Russian military aggression and restore its territorial integrity.

Discussions also covered priority projects related to military mobility, as well as the joint construction of military facilities at the Kabile military district to support the activities of the Multinational Battlegroup and expand its operational capacity. Other key topics included NATO’s collective defence concept, security in the Black Sea region, priority modernization projects for Bulgaria’s armed forces, and opportunities for cooperation between the Italian and Bulgarian defence industries.

The meeting was also attended by Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Defence Adelina Nikolova and Edoardo Di Paolo, Deputy Head of the Italian Mission in Sofia.