PM Zhelyazkov Stresses Importance of "Clear Message on Developing Defence Industry Joint Ventures" in Meeting with Rheinmetall Delegation

Yoana Vodenicharova

A snapshot of a meeting held between Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and Rheinmetall delegation in Sofia, March 26, 2025 (BTA Photo/Blagoy Kirilov)

Sofia,

26.03.2025 18:30

(BTA)

Meeting with Rheinmetall AG CEO Armin Papperger and his delegation here on Wednesday, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov stressed the importance of delivering “a clear result and a clear message on developing joint ventures in the defence industry immediately”.

”Political decisions make sense when they follow economic logic,” the Prime Minister said.

“We are living in an extremely important moment for Europe. A time when we are talking about security architecture and striving to regain our competitiveness. Bulgaria is part of European solutions, including deepening the EU-wide defence market. The Bulgarian government is seriously committed to advancing key elements of the environment: security - where we can offer our national potential; business - where we will talk about competitiveness and the joint ventures that I hope will ensue; research and development capacity, as well as human resources and potential,” Zhelyazkov added.

”Germany is a key partner for Bulgaria. German industry has always played a central role in the development of Bulgaria's national potential. "Rheinmetall is the backbone of German industrial power. I hope that under the leadership of Chancellor Merz, whom I hope I will soon be able to shake hands with at the European Council, we can achieve a lot at the political and economic level,” the Bulgarian Prime Minister said.

Rheinmetall AG CEO Armin Papperger highlighted the importance of investing in Europe’s security. He suggested that Germany will be the driving force behind this investment, ensuring Europe can be on par with the United States and reduce its dependence on US supplies and security. Papperger praised Bulgaria’s industrial capabilities, adding that with joint efforts from the government and industry, there is a great potential for future cooperation.

/RY/