Bulgaria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev represented Bulgaria at the regular meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported. Minister Georgiev emphasized Bulgaria’s consistent support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Georg Georgiev spoke of the need for increased diplomatic and economic pressure in response to Russia’s aggression. The Council adopted the 17th package of sanctions against Russia and decided to lift the economic sanctions against Syria.

Regarding the crisis in the Middle East, the Bulgarian Foreign Minister highlighted the need of revisiting the truce and releasing the hostages and voiced concern about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. He expressed support for the diplomatic efforts of the United States and Qatar and of other regional partners.

At the same time, a meeting of the EU Defense Ministers was also held in Brussels, with the participation of their British counterpart.

Bulgaria’s Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov stated that Bulgaria, like most of the other member states, faces three main challenges: rapid modernization of the armed forces, adapting the defense industry to NATO standards, and securing the necessary resources for this, reported BTA.

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Phto: mfa.bg