site.btaDeputy Defence Minister: President Radev's Participation in NATO Summit Is His Opinion

The proposal to the President [to lead the Bulgarian delegation] was made in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief and Head of State. The decision to participate or not is his personal opinion, Deputy Defence Minister Radostin Iliev told journalists on Thursday in connection with Bulgaria's participation at the 75th NATO Summit in Washington from July 9 to 11.

On Thursday President Rumen Radev refused to lead the Bulgarian delegation and participate in the July 9-11 NATO Summit in Washington due to his objection to

certain aspects of the framework positions on Bulgaria's commitments regarding the war in Ukraine adopted by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Defence states that the adoption of the position on Wednesday is a regular and well-established procedure in defence of the national interest at such a high-level event, Iliev said.

The adopted position does not undermine the national interests or threatens national security, the Deputy Minister said. In his words, the country's position is fully aligned with that of the Alliance.

Iliev said that the support Bulgaria has provided to Ukraine amid the war is fully in line with the decision of the National Assembly. In this sense, it is firm and will continue as long as necessary, Iliev added.

Responding to a question, he noted that it was normal practice for a president or prime minister to lead the delegation to a NATO summit.

Asked what message Bulgaria is sending as the Commander-in-Chief will not go, Iliev would not comment. "We are not sending any message. This is an internal matter. Each country decides who will lead the delegation, he said.