site.btaForeign Minister Discusses War in Ukraine, EU-US Relations at EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting

Bulgarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev participated in the first regular EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting of the year, which took place in Brussels on Monday, the press service of the Ministry reported. Europe's top diplomats discussed the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, EU-US relations and the situation in the Middle East.

The Council discussed the latest developments on the Russian military aggression against Ukraine following an informal exchange of views with the Ukrainian Minister of Foreigner Affairs Andrii Sybiha via videoconference. Sybiha briefed the meeting on the latest developments and Ukraine's current priorities and needs. Georgiev emphasized Bulgaria's support for the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty. He outlined the need for continued assistance to Kyiv and support for its European integration. He also condemned the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy and other civilian infrastructure. The adoption of a new strategy for the Black Sea region is crucial for Bulgaria, Georgiev stressed.

European foreign ministers held an in-depth discussion on the Union's relations with the United States following the inauguration of President Donald Trump and his administration. The Council agreed that the EU-US partnership is based on shared values and on the most extensive bilateral trade and investment relationship in the world. The US is the EU's most important strategic partner in promoting peace, stability and development around the world. The Bulgarian Foreign Minister stressed the need for a positive agenda in the transatlantic relations, for the pursuit of common interests in the economy, security and defence, energy, the need for tackling the common challenges to peace. He added: "It is important for us to continue and develop EU-US cooperation in the Western Balkans and the Black Sea region, as [that cooperation] has a stabilizing role in this part of Europe."

The Council also discussed the situation in the Middle East following recent developments in the region such as the ceasefire in Gaza, the changes in Syria and Lebanon. "Bulgaria welcomes the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the beginning of the release of the hostages, in this sense it is important that the agreement is respected by both sides," Georgiev said. He hailed as positive the election of a president and government in Lebanon after two years of severe political crisis in that country. Referring to Syria, he said that the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime is crucial for stability in the region. This is an opportunity to begin the reconstruction of the country through the inclusion of all communities in Syria and the return of the millions of forcibly displaced Syrian citizens, he said.