site.btaBulgaria's Defence Minister, Czech Republic's Ambassador Discuss Ways to Deepen Bilateral Defence Cooperation

Bulgaria’s Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov and the Ambassador of the Czech Republic in Sofia, Miroslav Toman, have discussed ways to deepen bilateral defence cooperation, Zapryanov’s Ministry said in a press release on Tuesday.

The discussions centred on opportunities to strengthen cooperation in defence and innovation and shared objectives and priorities within the context of European Union and NATO relations. The sides highlighted the growing need to support the European pillar and its key role in the light of the current realities facing the Alliance. The evolving security environment, the modernization of defence capabilities, and the development of collective defence were also high on the agenda of the meeting.

Zapryanov highlighted the main priorities of his Ministry, including increasing the capabilities of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, modernizing the military, recruiting personnel, boosting the potential of the defence industry, and continuing military and technical assistance to Ukraine for as long as necessary.

Emphasis was laid on the planned establishment of the centre for defence innovation in Bulgaria and the potential challenges it may face. Zapryanov said that the centre aims to bring together the efforts, expertise and experience of representatives from the defence industry, state administration, and government.