site.btaPM Zhelyazkov at Antalya Forum: Bulgaria Supports Initiatives to Strengthen EU, NATO Defence Capabilities

Addressing the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Friday, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said, “As an EU member state and NATO ally, Bulgaria is an active participant in all solidarity initiatives that aim to strengthen our deterrence and defence capabilities. Growing global challenges require more multilateral governance and rule-based international cooperation. We are all part of the global system and we are all responsible for preserving, maintaining and building international peace and security.” The information came in a Cabinet press office release on Friday. The Bulgarian Prime Minister took part in the leadership panel on "Search for Partnerships in the Era of Multi-polarization".

Zhelyazkov specifically focused on the Bulgarian government's proposal to establish and host a multinational maritime coordination centre to ensure the safety of navigation in the western Black Sea. The proposal envisages ensuring constant maritime surveillance and early warning of potential threats and hostile activities from the centre, as well as enhancing the resilience of critical undersea infrastructure in the region.

“Investment in the security of the Black Sea region is an investment in the security of the Euro-Atlantic area,” Zhelyazkov said. He also pointed to the establishment of a Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Task Group with Romania and Turkiye as a positive example of coordination between coastal allies. The Bulgarian Prime Minister also highlighted the White Paper on the Future of European Defence, which represents a new strategic impulse and long-term determination towards a genuine European defence union. NATO remains the cornerstone of the collective defence of its members in Europe, the Prime Minister added.

Zhelyazkov stressed the need to work closely with international organizations and partner countries in order to respond successfully to global crises, threats and challenges. The Prime Minister highlighted the role of the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, NATO and the World Trade Organization. He also noted that the world is now driven by blocs and alliances, and competition requires solid negotiating power.