site.btaBulgarian, Macedonian Defence Ministers Attend Demonstration of Special Forces' Capabilities

Blagoevgrad, Southwestern Bulgaria, May 18 (BTA) - The defence ministers of Bulgaria and Macedonia, Krassimir Karakachanov and Radmila Sekerinska, attended a demonstration of the capabilities of elements of their countries' Special Forces. The two officials gave a news briefing after a two-week joint training of Special Forces units of the two countries in the area of Stanke Lisichkovo border checkpoint.

Bulgaria supports the NATO and EU integration of all Western Balkans countries, said Karakachanov. He said he stressed at all forums in Brussels that of all the countries, Macedonia is the most ready to join NATO.

"When we are all in a political union and a military alliance, it is very unlikely that outside factors will be able to interfere on a religious, geopolitical or other basis to create problems here. See what has happened since last August: the defence ministers of Macedonia and Bulgaria have met and signed more documents than all other ministers in 25 years," Karakachanov said.

For her part, Sekerinska said she expected her country to get an invitation in July to join NATO. In the last few years Macedonia has shown there is a domestic consensus on NATO membership. In 2017, more than 4,000 Macedonian troops participated in NATO-led missions, and even more will participate this year. Macedonia has proved it is a trustworthy partner on which the NATO countries can rely, she said.

Regarding relations between Skopje and Sofia, Sekerinska said that last year many citizens of the two countries were surprised at how quickly the Treaty of Friendship, Good-neighbourliness and Cooperation was signed. Some think it will remain on paper only, the Macedonian Defence Minister said, adding that words had already translated into deeds in defence, the economy, transport and the digital area. Defence cooperation has strengthened manifold since last year and Friday's exercise is the best example of this, said Sekerinska.

Talking about the acquisition of new fighter jets for the Air Force, Karakachanov said Israel with used F-16 aircraft, Portugal, Rafale and Eurofighter would be admitted to the tender to ensure better competition.