site.btaBulgarian President, NATO Secretary General Discuss by Phone Security Environment, Challenges

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussed the security environment and challenges over the phone Thursday, said the Presidential Press Secretariat. Rutte is visiting the Novo Selo training area in southeastern Bulgaria where he got acquainted with the activities of the Multinational Battle Group with Italy as framework nation and Bulgaria as host country.

The two leaders discussed the challenges related to the complicated security environment in Eastern Europe and the need to strengthen the defence capabilities of the allies. The Bulgarian head of State underscored the steps Bulgaria has taken to modernize its Armed Forces and said that the new Parliament and the government are expected to further this process. The President also called for fast construction of a NATO oil pipeline in Eastern Europe, which will enhance the security of energy supplies in the region. 

The NATO Secretary General stressed Bulgaria's contribution to the collective security system and the importance of modernizing the Bulgarian Armed Forces. He underscored the high professionalism of Bulgarian service persons. Considering the serious geopolitical challenges facing the Alliance, Rutte urged the member states to aim at higher spending targets for defence modernization and enhancement of the defence capabilities.