site.btaDefence Minister Karakachanov Confers with Commander of NATO Joint Force Command in Naples Admiral Foggo

Sofia, July 10 (BTA) - Defence Minister Krassimir Karakachanov and Bulgaria's Chief of Defence General Andrei Botsev conferred here on Tuesday with the Commander of NATO's Joint Force Command in Naples, US Navy Admiral James Foggo, the Defence Ministry reported.

The talks between Karakachanov and Admiral Foggo, held on the eve of the NATO Summit, focused on important questions for the Alliance and Bulgaria concerning the situation in the Black Sea and NATO's role as a guarantor of security in the region. Bulgaria's importance as a maritime state was underscored, as well as enhancing cooperation with NATO forces, improving situational awareness and maintaining the presence of NATO naval forces in the region. Opportunities for developing strategic partnerships were also discussed.

General Botsev and Admiral Foggo discussed matters related to enhancing the Alliance's deterrence and defence capabilities, the full implementation of the measures for enhanced forward presence, as well as their proportional distribution between the allies in the Black Sea region. Progress on the adaptation of NATO's command structure, as well as planning stability and security in the Alliance's southeastern part were also discussed.