site.btaBulgarian Chief of Defence, Turkish Land Forces Commander Discuss Regional Security

Bulgarian Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov and Turkish Land Forces Commander General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu discussed regional security as they met Wednesday during the latter's Bulgaria visit, the Defence Ministry said. "Bulgaria and The Republic of Turkiye are neighbours, NATO allies and our partnership is key to security in the region," Eftimov said.

The meeting was a good opportunity to hold a fruitful dialogue promoting mutual understanding and military cooperation between the two countries. "I am confident that our excellent cooperation will continue in the future, and that the Land Forces of both countries are among the main participants in its further development," Eftimov noted.

He presented the efforts Bulgaria is making to create conditions for the expansion of the NATO Multinational Battle Group on its territory up to the brigade level. "We are trying with the highest priority to expand our host nation support capacity. We appreciate the support the Republic of Turkiye has given to the NATO Battle Group in our country so far. We are grateful for its participation with staff officers and an air defence detachment. This reinforces our common capabilities and readiness for collective defence," the Chief of Defence pointed out. 

Eftimov also referred to the excellent cooperation between the two countries in participating in national and NATO-led joint training and exercises, as well as in the framework of Balkan Countries Chiefs of Defence Initiative.