site.btaNATO Not Only Strategic Goal for Bulgaria, but Incentive for Democratic Values, Socio-Economic Progress, Outgoing Foreign Minister Says

For Bulgaria, NATO is not only a strategic and foreign policy goal, but an incentive to consolidate democratic values and socio-economic progress, outgoing Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel said at a national conference "20 years of Bulgaria in NATO: Because We Are Stronger Together" on Friday. The forum is held under the auspices of the outgoing government. It is organized by the Diplomatic Institute under the Foreign Minister, together with the Information Centre of the Ministry of Defence, the Atlantic Club of Bulgaria and the Sofia Security Forum.

Exactly 20 years ago, seven countries from Central and Eastern Europe made their sovereign choice - to join a union of countries that defend freedom, Gabriel underscored. She added that for those 20 years Bulgaria has made significant efforts for the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkan countries.

Gabriel also stressed that Ukraine's future lies in NATO and Bulgaria will continue to support it.