site.btaDeputy Defence Minister Iliev Takes Part in Two-Day Coalition of Willing Meeting in Defence Ministers Format in Brussels

Bulgaria’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Radostin Iliev, is participating in a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in defence ministers format, taking place in Brussels on April 10 and 11, Iliev’s Ministry said in a press release on Thursday.

The first day of discussions centred on ending hostilities in Ukraine and establishing a stable and lasting peace. Emphasis was laid on the need for comprehensive security assurances for Ukraine, including guarantees for the security of Europe. The meeting was initiated by UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey and France’s Minister of the Armed Forces, Sebastien Lecornu. It marks the first Coalition of the Willing meeting at the level of defence ministers, following summits held on March 15 and 27.

The event continues on Friday with a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, convened at the invitation of UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey and Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. The meeting will focus on continued international support for Ukraine and efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, the press release said.