site.btaAnnual Conference of Bulgarian Military Attachés Abroad Held in Sofia

Military attachés serving with Bulgarian diplomatic missions abroad gathered for an annual conference with Bulgarian government leaders here on Tuesday, the Defence Intelligence Service said. The event brought together 29 heads of Bulgarian military attaché offices in 47 countries.

The conference was opened by Deputy Defence Minister Radostin Iliev and Deputy Chief of Defence, Lieutenant General Tanko Stoykov. Among the attendees were President Rumen Radev's advisers on security and defence and military security. Representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence presented reports on topical foreign policy issues and matters concerning regional and bilateral military cooperation.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Defence Minister Iliev stressed that "over the years, the forum has established its great importance in enhancing the effectiveness of the military diplomatic representations of the Defence Ministry".

Iliev said that the work of the military attaché offices is highly appreciated and contributes significantly to decision-making in determining the country's defence policy.

The Deputy Defence Minister praised the attachés for their professionalism and expertise. He said that in the future, he will continue to rely on the means of military diplomatic activity to further promote the country's efforts to establish itself as a reliable partner of the Alliance.

Lieutenant General Tanko Stoykov also addressed the participants in the event, stressing that a number of official and working meetings were organized with the participation and assistance of the military attaché offices. "It is important to note your active assistance in providing information for the visits of foreign heads of state and military to the Republic of Bulgaria and the participation of representatives from the Defence Ministry and the Bulgarian Armed Forces in international forums held as part of the cooperation within NATO and the EU," Stoykov added.

Defence Intelligence Service Director Brigadier General Venelin Venev briefed the attendees on the work of the military attaché offices in the first half of the year.