site.btaBulgaria's Defence Minister Confers with Finland's Ambassador

Bulgaria’s caretaker Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov and Finland’s Ambassador to this country, Kirsti Pohjankukka, have discussed bilateral defence cooperation and current security issues, the Ministry of Defence's press service said on Monday.

The sides highlighted the traditionally excellent military relations between Bulgaria and Finland, reaffirming their willingness to deepen cooperation within the European Union (EU) and NATO.

The importance of cooperation in the context of the changed security environment was discussed, along with the role both countries play in building the allied deterrence and defence capabilities of the Eastern flank of the Alliance.

Zapryanov and Pohjankukka talked about the prospects for the development of the EU’s collective defence and opportunities for defence-industrial cooperation, the Bulgarian Armed Forces modernization projects, and strategies to counter hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns.

Special focus was given to the assistance provided by Bulgaria and Finland to Ukraine. Both Zapryanov and Pohjankukka reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and the security of its people.