site.btaUS Ambassador Rubin: US Views Bulgaria as Key Partner, Ally in Facing Common Challenges

US Ambassador Rubin: US Views Bulgaria as Key Partner,  Ally in Facing Common Challenges

Sofia, April 7 (BTA) - The US sees Bulgaria as a key partner and an ally in facing common challenges, whether they come from the East or the South, from migration or terrorism, or any other host of issues, said here on Thursday US Ambassador Eric Rubin. He delivered a public lecture on "Bulgaria and America: Allies and Partners", organized by the Atlantic Club of Bulgaria.

"Bulgaria, as you are all well aware better than I, is affected by multiple crises confronting Europe overall," he said, listing the situation in Ukraine, the conflict in Syria and the closely related migration crisis, as well as the threat of foreign fighters. "Many countries in Europe are confronting the consequences of at least one of these challenges, maybe two, but Bulgaria faces all three," he said, adding that this country has the best of friends in these uncertain times.

"To very briefly answer some of our critics, let me add that we are here as your friends, we care deeply about your security and your prosperity and we are not going away or losing our commitment. In that regard, let me say that I am very optimistic about Bulgaria's future," the US Ambassador said, quoting Bulgarian revolutionary and poet Hristo Botev as having said once that "the Bulgarian people is not in the grave of its past, but in the cradle of its future".

According to Rubin, Bulgaria has made incredible progress since the early 1990s, politically, economically and socially. He underscored his country's deep commitment to supporting the Government of Bulgaria and its leadership in confronting the current difficult challenges. Recalling US Secretary of State John Kerry's visit to Bulgaria and the several bilateral working groups that were formed, Rubin noted that much was achieved over a very short time in defence and security. "As a NATO ally, the US is supporting the countries on the Alliance's eastern edge that worry about threats to security in the region. Our persistent military presence in Bulgaria, Romania and the Baltic states sends a powerful message of deterrence," he said. The Ambassador also noted the successful use of joint military facilities in Bulgaria for military training.

Ambassador Rubin also talked about the growing Bulgarian economy, American investments in this country and energy diversification, noting the importance of the gas interconnector with Greece. He also noted some of the future benefits of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, the rule of law working group, educational and cultural ties.

Answering a question about the visa waiver program, Rubin said he is confident it will be achieved, adding however, that there is still much more work to be done before the criteria, established by the US Congress, are met.

The lecture coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Atlantic Club, on the occasion of which a new pictorial envelope was launched, bearing the Atlantic Club's new logo. Among those who attended the US Ambassador's lecture were Deputy Prime Minister Meglena Kuneva, former prime minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, ambassadors, journalists and citizens.