site.btaForeign Minister in London: Bulgaria and UK Strengthen Their Strategic Partnership

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev held a working meeting with Britain's Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy, in the framework of a one-day working visit to the UK on Monday, the Foreign Ministry's press service said. The meeting was in the context of the active political dialogue between the two countries that is developing on the basis of a Joint Declaration on UK-Bulgaria Strategic Partnership signed in October 2023.

The two diplomats discussed the progress and future perspectives of the strategic partnership in key spheres that included security and defence, economy and trade, education, science, innovations and high technologies.

Georgiev said that the relations between Bulgaria and the UK have never been more dynamic. Europe’s security and stability, new technologies and education are areas in which much better results can be achieved, Georgiev added.

Bulgaria is an important partner for the UK in Europe, Lammy said. From the security of the Black Sea to the development of high technologies, the common interest of the two states is clear – a more secure and prosperous continent, he added.

Special emphasis in the talks was placed on the cooperation between the two states in battling illegal migration and organized crime. Lammy expressed gratitude for Bulgaria’s active role and close cooperation in this area. Georgiev said: “It is an honour for Bulgaria to contribute to the safety of all European citizens.”

An important topic on the agenda was the progress achieved by the global campaign in favour of family-based care for all children across the globe, which Britain launched in Sofia in January 2025. Bulgaria was picked for the start of the initiative because it is an example of a successful reform, Lammy said. Bulgaria's experience inspires and shows that institutions can be replaced with real family care, Lammy added.

Georgiev said that the support of children and families is an investment in the future. He added that Bulgaria's experience is proof that reforms are possible when there is political will.

The diplomats discussed topics on the European and international agenda, including the continuing Russian aggression against Ukraine and the security of the Black Sea region. Bulgaria and the UK will continue working in close cooperation in support of Ukraine and in an effort to ensure the stability of the region, Georgiev said. The UK’s solidarity with Ukraine is unwavering, as this is a battle for the values the UK shares with Bulgaria and its allies, Lammy said.