site.btaBulgaria Marks 21 Years as Full NATO Member

Bulgaria marks 21 years as a full member of NATO - the strongest military-political alliance in the world, which is the guarantor of the security, stability and freedom of its citizens, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said on the official Facebook page of the Council of Ministers.

“On March 29, 2004, our country made a strategic choice by joining the North Atlantic Pact together with six other Eastern European countries. This was a historic moment that paved the way for Bulgaria's sustainable development, protection of the national interest and its presence as a reliable ally in collective defence,” the Prime Minister noted.

“Today, in a complex and dynamic international environment, the Alliance remains a key pillar of our security. Bulgaria, as an active and responsible member, contributes to the strengthening of the Alliance and to the building of modern, combat-ready armed forces capable of responding to new threats to global security,” Zhelyazkov said.

He expressed confidence that NATO will emerge from the current challenges stronger, more united and more ready to defend the security of its citizens. In the Prime Minister's words, Bulgaria's future is strongly linked to stability, solidarity and long-term partnership with our allies. “I am convinced that investments in defence, in human potential and in technology will ensure peace, security and prosperity for future generations,” the Prime Minister wrote.

Bulgaria proposed to form and host a multinational maritime coordination centre to ensure the safety of navigation in the western Black Sea at Friday’s "Peace and Security for Ukraine" meeting in Paris, which he attended at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, the government press office said.