site.btaBulgaria, Romania Acquaint EU Foreign Ministers with Joint Concept for Black Sea Maritime Security Hub

Bulgaria and Romania Monday presented to the EU Member States information on the Joint Concept for the establishment of a Black Sea Maritime Security Hub in implementation of the new EU Strategic Approach to the Black Sea Region, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry reported Tuesday. This happened within the regular monthly meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, which was held in Luxembourg on Monday. Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova represented Bulgaria at the meeting.

According to the press release, the Hub will be co-hosted by Bulgaria and Romania in Varna and Constanta, with the possibility of building on other existing structures and capabilities. Its establishment will contribute to strengthening security and resilience in the Black Sea region within the framework of the new strategic approach of the European Union, the statement added.

The work of the EU foreign ministers began with a discussion of the latest developments related to the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha informed the participants via videoconference about the latest diplomatic initiatives of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

During the ensuing discussion, Petrova indicated that Bulgaria remains committed to the common European efforts in support of Ukraine and to using all possible means to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukrainian citizens.

Among the main topics on the Council's agenda was the situation in the Middle East. During the discussion, Petrova welcomed the announced memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran to end the conflict and unblock shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. She also pointed out the need for the European Union to continue to promote diplomatic efforts and insist on full compliance with the ceasefire and permanent de-escalation agreements, the information said.

The discussions also included an exchange of views on relations between the European Union and China in the context of the preparation of the European Council meeting.