site.btaUK Ready to Help Bulgaria Upgrade Its Armed Forces

UK Ready to Help Bulgaria Upgrade Its Armed Forces

Sofia, September 27 (BTA) - The United Kingdom is ready to help Bulgaria upgrade its Armed Forces, British Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon said in Sofia Tuesday, emerging from a meeting with Defence Minister Nikolay Nenchev. The two officials discussed bilateral military cooperation and industry-to-industry opportunities.

Noting Bulgaria's intention to acquire new patrol vessels and multi-role fighter aircraft, Fallon said the UK has experience in developing such capabilities, so he has brought with him "a trade delegation of some of the finest companies in the UK."

The guest further said that he and Nenchev have discussed the possibility of sharing more information about migration and of the UK offering more training to Bulgaria in managing migration-related pressures.

Fallon noted: "Bulgaria is a partner of vital strategic importance to the UK, and in a very challenging neighbourhood. We are well aware that any threat to Bulgaria is a threat to Europe as a whole and a threat to the UK. So we are working together to strengthen NATO."

He welcomed Bulgaria's commitment to increase its defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP by 2024.

The UK Defence Secretary said: "Although Britain is going to leave the EU, we are not abandoning European security or our worldwide commitments." He described Bulgaria and the UK as "natural partners" sharing the same values.

Nenchev said he and Fallon have also discussed joint air policing in Bulgaria, but have not gone into detail. Nenchev updated Fallon on a recent joint Bulgarian-US air policing mission in this country.

The sides further discussed joint military exercises and training, and the refugee crisis. Nenchev suggested it might be possible for "another maritime group to be deployed in the Black Sea region if necessary." He added, though, that this is not necessary at present. "If necessary, we will ask our NATO partners for support," Nenchev said.