site.btaBulgarian, US Defence Officials Visit NATO Multinational Battle Group in Novo Selo

Bulgarian Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov, Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov, and David Baker, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for European and NATO Policy, visited the NATO Multinational Battle Group stationed in Bulgaria at the Novo Selo Training Area, the Defence Ministry said on Saturday.

The battle group’s commander, Col. Salvatore Abate, delivered a briefing on the unit's preparation and ongoing missions. Zapryanov, Eftimov, and Baker emphasized the crucial role of the multinational group in enhancing NATO’s deterrence and defence posture, as well as in strengthening security in Southeastern Europe.

During the visit, David Baker also conferred with the American servicemen assigned to the battle group, commending them for their honourable service.

On Sunday, April 13, Zapryanov, Eftimov, and Baker are scheduled to take part in an official ceremony at Graf Ignatievo’s Third Air Base to welcome Bulgaria’s first F-16 Block 70 fighter jet into the Bulgarian Air Force, the Defence Ministry further said.