site.btaBulgarian Defence Minister Karakachanov Meets with German Counterpart Ursula von der Leyen

February 14 (BTA) - Bulgarian Defence Minister
Krassimir Karakachanov met with his German counterpart Ursula
von der Leyen here on Thursday. The conversation took place at
the NATO Headquarters in Brussels, where a regular meeting of
the Alliance's Defense Ministers is currently held, the Ministry
 of Defence said.

Minister Karakachanov expressed the Bulgarian side's desire to
intensify bilateral relations in the field of defense and in
particular to increase the armed forces' joint activities and
German participation in the modernization of the Bulgarian Army.
 

Karakachanov emphasized the possibility that German companies
participate in the modernization process of the Bulgarian Navy
and Land Forces. He noted the requirement that for any foreign
companies participating in these projects a way must be found
for Bulgarian companies participate as well. The Bulgarian
Minister expressed willingness to intensify cooperation with
regard to the Western Balkans, pointing out that it would be of
mutual interest.

Minister Ursula von der Leyen expressed her gratitude to
Bulgaria for an  excellent EU Council Presidency. She said that
Germany is very interested in the Western Balkans and that the
Bulgarian experience and knowledge on the subject would be
extremely useful. The German Minister expressed her strong
conviction that German companies could be more actively involved
 in the modernization of the Bulgarian armed forces, explaining
that efforts will be made to find the best option for bilateral
cooperation if German companies are selected as contractors of
certain projects. RY/DT