site.btaBulgarian PM, Montenegrin President Discuss Bilateral Defence Cooperation

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov met Monday with Montenegro President Jakov Milatovic, who is on a two-day visit here. "Bulgaria has always supported the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries", Zhelyazkov said, as quoted by the Government Information Service.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister expressed the country's strong support for Montenegro's European integration, underlining its significant progress on the path to EU membership. "Bulgaria continues to share its experience and expertise in the accession negotiations process, providing institutional and technical assistance to Montenegro," Zhelyazkov stressed.

During the talks, emphasis was put on the defence cooperation between Bulgaria and Montenegro. "I welcome the excellent defence relations between our two countries, both within NATO and bilaterally. This partnership is particularly important in the context of the current global situation, which poses new security challenges," the Prime Minister said.

He expressed appreciation for Montenegro's commitment to the establishment and participation in the NATO Multinational Battle Group deployed in Bulgaria. In this regard, the possibility of training Montenegrin military personnel in Bulgarian higher military schools was also discussed, which will contribute to enhancing the qualification of the servicemen and strengthening the bilateral security partnership. 

Zhelyazkov briefed President Milatovic on the capabilities of the Bulgarian military-industrial complex, and the two discussed potential opportunities for cooperation in this field. Zhelyazkov and Milatovic also discussed the war in Ukraine and the need to achieve lasting peace. 

The Prime Minister and the President also discussed regional connectivity, the promotion of economic cooperation, the development of transport infrastructure as well as security and technology partnerships. In the course of the talks, they also discussed the possibility of opening an air route between Bulgaria and Montenegro, which would facilitate the development of economic relations and contribute to the growth of tourism between the two countries.