NATO Secretary General delivers an address on the occasion of Bulgaria’s 18th anniversary of NATO membership

NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, on March 29 delivered an address on the occasion of the 18th anniversary of Bulgaria's accession to NATO. He thanked the country for its contribution to shared security. We will protecBulgaria and every inch of an ally's territory, Stoltenberg said.

"Eighteen years ago today, your country joined our Alliance. And Bulgaria has been a committed Ally ever since."

"I am grateful for Bulgaria's contributions to our shared security. Not least in the Black Sea region, which is of great strategic importance for NATO, where you provide important capabilities, including ships to NATO’s patrols."

"Bulgaria also helps build stability in the Western Balkans, by contributing to NATO's peacekeeping mission in Kosovo."

"And you host a force integration unit in Sofia, as part of NATO’s forward presence. This unit represents a visible and persistent NATO presence in your country."

"Bulgaria’s contributions are even more important at this defining moment for our security," he said.

"President Putin’s war in Ukraine is causing death and destruction every day. Threatening the security of Europe. And challenging the entire international order. NATO Allies condemn this war. And call on President Putin to stop it immediately. Withdraw all his forces. And engage in diplomacy."

Stoltenberg said that Bulgaria has sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Including shelter equipment and medical supplies. And you have been receiving Ukrainian refugees, he added.

"In response to this new reality, NATO is increasing its deterrence and defence. There are now hundreds of thousands of forces on heightened alert across the Alliance. One hundred thousand US troops in Europe. And around 40,000 troops under direct NATO command, mostly in the eastern part of the Alliance."

"Allies have sent troops to Bulgaria. Spain has sent Eurofighter jets. And the Netherlands will soon send F-35s. Working side by side with the Bulgarian Air forces. And you are setting up a new NATO multinational battlegroup."

"We will protect Bulgaria. And defend every inch of Allied territory. One for all and all for one."

"Our increased presence is defensive. Not to provoke a conflict. But to prevent a conflict. To preserve peace," Stoltenberg said in his address.

He urged Bulgaria, as well as all allies, to invest at least 2% of GDP in defence.

"I know I can count on Bulgaria’s continued commitment to NATO in the future," Stoltenberg concluded.

On 29 March 2004, Bulgaria officially became a member of NATO.

Bulgarian Prime Minister, Kiril Petkov, wrote in a Twitter post that he is grateful to Stoltenberg for the warm and clear message on the occasion of Bulgaria's 18th anniversary of joining NATO. "Bulgaria is NATO," Petkov said.

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