site.btaForeign Minister Meets US Charge d’Affaires to Discuss Difficult Situation in Middle East

Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky met with US Charge d'Affaires Martin McDowell to discuss the difficult situation in the Middle East and Iran, focusing on security guarantees for Europe in the event of escalation or expansion of the conflict, the Ministry reported on Monday.

Neynsky raised the issue of visa exemptions for Bulgarian citizens wishing to visit the United States. Bulgaria’s participation in the Transatlantic Gas Security Summit was also discussed, with particular emphasis on the Vertical Gas Corridor. 

The Minister highlighted the need for a derogation for the Lukoil refinery until the completion of ongoing negotiations for its sale. Interest was noted from American companies involved in liquefied gas extraction and supply to expand their presence and investment activities in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria expressed its interest in joining the Pax Silica initiative in the context of cooperation in high technology, artificial intelligence, and data centers. Progress on the construction of Units 7 and 8 at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant using American AP1000 technology was also reviewed.