site.btaForeign Minister Gabriel Takes Part in Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels

Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel took part in a Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on Monday, her ministry said in a press release. The EU Foreign Ministers discussed the Russian aggression against Ukraine a few days before the second anniversary of the beginning of the war, the situation in the Middle East and the latest developments in the Sahel.

"We are concerned about the humanitarian situation and the risk of regional expansion of the conflict. Access to humanitarian aid and the protection of all civilians must be a priority. Bulgaria supports a two-state solution. It is important to have an agreement that guarantees the security of both sides," Gabriel stressed.

"On the eve of the second anniversary of the [start of the] Russian aggression against Ukraine, today, once again, we sent a message of united efforts and solidarity with Ukraine. Supporting Ukraine is a strategic investment in the security of the Black Sea region and Europe," Gabriel said. She also informed the attendees about the upcoming Black Sea Security Conference to be held in Sofia in April.

Yulia Navalnaya, widow of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, was a special guest of the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council.

During her visit to Brussels, Bulgaria’s foreign minister also conferred with European Council President Charles Michel. Gabriel thanked him for the support for Bulgaria's accession to Schengen. The two sides discussed various topics such as the euro area, the agenda of the upcoming European Council in March and the European elections.