site.btaForeign Minister Gabriel Speaks with US Secretary of State Blinken

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel spoke over the telephone with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, the Foreign Ministry here reported on Wednesday.

The US Secretary of State expressed support for the new Bulgarian Government and congratulated it on its clear Euro-Atlantic orientation. Gabriel noted the importance of the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and the US. She also shared the Government's main priorities, noting the active role of Bulgaria in the EU and NATO. The Western Balkans' European perspective was also outlined given that the agreed upon commitments are observed. 

The main topic of discussion was the strategic partnership with the US as an opportunity to enhance cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest. Bulgaria's inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program remains a priority.

Gabriel and Blinken agreed on the importance of supporting Ukraine and noted in this context the significance of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Bulgaria.

Deepening cooperation with Washington, both bilaterally and within NATO, is a priority for Bulgarian foreign policy. Bulgaria's top diplomat thanked her US counterpart for setting a date for the second session of the Bulgaria-US Strategic Dialogue, which is scheduled to be held on September 25 in Washington. Gabriel will head the Bulgarian delegation. She expects that the meeting will outline specific steps for deepening cooperation in areas of common interest, including security and defence, energy diversification, innovations and the fight against disinformation.