site.btaUS Ambassador Mustafa: Bulgaria-US Relations Have Reached New Level of Growth

November 29 (BTA) - Relations between Bulgaria and the US
 are at a new level of growth and engagement, starting with the
historic meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister
Borissov, said US Ambassador Herro Mustafa on Friday. She
delivered a lecture on "US-Bulgarian Relations: The Next 30
Years" before members of the Atlantic Club.

The Ambassador noted as another important outcome the
establishment of a Strategic Partnership Framework in three main
 areas of mutual interest: security and defense cooperation;
economic, trade, and energy cooperation, and strengthening
democracy and the rule of law.

Since joining NATO in 2004, Bulgaria has demonstrated its
commitment to a strong and free Europe and has been a reliable
ally in the Balkans. Bulgarian soldiers have fought alongside US
 troops in operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan and have
participated in coalition operations in Libya, Kosovo, and
Bosnia, noted Mustafa.

The United States will also continue to support Bulgaria's
modernization efforts through the provision of security
assistance and facilitating access to advanced US defense
technology.

"I am proud of our strong economic relationship and how far we
have come," said the Ambassador, adding that the United States
is among the top six investors in the country.

In the coming months Bulgarian companies will be paired with
American companies at several trade shows, focusing on security,
 health, and information technology.

The Ambassador declared support for Bulgaria's efforts to
diversify its energy supply.

Mustafa further said that her embassy will work with their
Bulgarian partners to strengthen Bulgaria's democracy and
improve opportunities in Bulgaria's free market. Aided by a new
resident legal advisor who arrives she plans to work with both
government and civil society to strengthen the primacy of the
law, foster judicial independence, and tackle corruption.
 
In addition to promoting transparency, a strong democracy must
also doggedly defend media freedom and respect minority voices.

The US is also ready to lend support on combating cybercrime and
 securing Bulgaria's wireless communications networks in order
to strengthen Bulgaria's defenses in the field of technology and
 innovation and to ensure that Bulgaria's 5G networks are built
with the proper security controls.

Taking a question by AmCham Executive Director Petar Ivanov,
Mustafa said that the meeting between Borissov and Trump lasted
longer because of the important topics that were on the agenda.
Mustafa also said that various companies have expressed interest
 in investing in Bulgaria. RY/PP