Bulgaria's Defence Minister, Turkish Ambassador discussed bilateral relations in the area of defence

Bulgaria’s Minister of Defence Todor Tagarev and H.E. Aylin Sekizkok, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to the Republic of Bulgaria, on July 17 discussed bilateral cooperation in the area of defence and issues on the current security agenda, the press centre of the Ministry of Defence said.

The two stressed the traditionally good partnership between Bulgaria and Turkey within NATO and in regional formats, as well as the important role of the countries in the eastern region of responsibility of the Alliance. They outlined the prospects for the advancement of the bilateral dialogue in the context of the decisions taken and regional plans approved at the summit held last week in Vilnius.

Minister Tagarev expressed gratitude for Turkey's contribution to the multinational battle group with the framework country Italy, of which Bulgaria is a host country. He highlighted the preparations that will be needed for the upgrade of the Battlegroup to a brigade - an important step in building the allied deterrence and defence capacity on NATO's Eastern flank.

Minister Tagarev and Ambassador Sekizkok also discussed the changing security environment in the Black Sea region, sharing a common understanding of the need for enhanced cooperation between the Black Sea countries to adapt to the challenges they face in the aftermath of the war in Ukraine.

During the talks, they discussed opportunities for defence industrial cooperation and participation in joint exercises and training.