site.btaDefence Minister Zapryanov, US CAD Falatko Discuss Progress of Armed Forces Modernization Projects

Bulgarian Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov on Wednesday conferred with Susan K. Falatko, the US Chargé d'Affaires to Bulgaria, Zapryanov's Ministry said in a press release.

"I highly appreciate the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the US and the American support for the development of our armed forces," the Defence Minister said at the start of the appointment. He congratulated Falatko on her appointment as US Chargé d'Affaires ad interim in Sofia and wished her success in her highly responsible position.

The talks focused on the consistent support of the US for the years-long efforts to modernize the Bulgarian Armed Forces. The sides discussed the progress of the projects for acquisition of F-16 Block 70 jet fighters and a new combat vehicle for the Land Forces. Zapryanov familiarized Falatko with the Council of Ministers' decision to lay before the National Assembly a bill to ratify a Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the acquisition of Javelin anti-armour missiles as part of the Stryker combat vehicles project.

Also taking part in the meeting were Deputy Defence Minister Adelina Nikolova, Bulgaria's Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Eftimov, US Deputy Chief of Mission H. Martin McDowell, the Commander of the Bulgarian Air Force, Major General Dimitar Petrov, Lieutenant Colonel Adam James, US Army Attaché to Bulgaria, and experts and directors of directorate at the Ministry of Defence.