site.btaSupport for Ukraine Will Create Conditions to End War

Bulgarian Defence Mnister Todor Tagarev is taking part in a NATO Defence Ministers' Meeting in Brussels on Wednesday and Thursday.

The ministerial started with a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council, which examined the implementation of the Multiannual Programme of Assistance to Ukraine, approved at the Vilnius Summit.

In his address, Minister Tagarev stressed that the establishment of the NATO-Ukraine Council demonstrates the high level of relations between the Alliance and Ukraine and NATO's long-term commitment. In times of ongoing war, political support matters. Practical support is a prerequisite for creating favourable conditions for ending the war, the Defence Minister stressed. The outcome of the war will determine Ukraine's future and shape the future European and global security architecture.

Ahead of the meeting, Defence Minister Tagarev took part in the regular meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG), which coordinates the provision of military assistance to Ukraine. In his statement, Tagarev stressed that Bulgaria continues to support Ukraine in its efforts to counter Russian aggression.

On the sidelines of the NATO Defence Ministers' meeting, Minister Tagarev and his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umierov signed a Memorandum of Intent between the two ministries. The main objective of the Memorandum is to provide a broader political framework for cooperation in a bilateral and multilateral format to consolidate efforts to support peace and security in Europe. It confirms the readiness of the parties to strengthen their cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as defence and security policy, military-technical cooperation, development of military education and science, etc.

At NATO Headquarters, Minister Tagarev conferred with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Christopher Cavoli. They discussed key issues on the Alliance's agenda related to the implementation of the Vilnius Summit decisions and the security of the Black Sea region as strategically important for the Alliance. Minister Tagarev outlined steps taken at national level to enhance the deterrence and defence potential of NATO's Eastern flank. In response to ongoing Russian provocations, Bulgaria supports the enhancement of NATO's presence in the Black Sea region, as well as the need for joint action by allies in the region to strengthen the Alliance's situational awareness capabilities and reduce the risks of sea mines.

The defence ministers of Bulgaria, Greece and Romania signed a letter of intent to improve the fuel supply system for the allies of the Eastern flank of the Alliance.

There was also a trilateral meeting between the defence ministers of Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey on joint actions to combat the mine threat in the Black Sea.