site.btaBulgaria, US Discuss Holding Next Session of Strategic Dialogue before Year's End

Bulgaria’s caretaker Foreign Minister Ivan Kondov has conferred with John Bass, Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs at the US Department of State, during his working visit to Washington, D.C., Kondov’s Ministry said on Tuesday.

During the talks, the sides agreed that the next session of the strategic dialogue between Bulgaria and the US should be held by the end of the year.

Russia's war against Ukraine was also on the meeting’s agenda. Kondov stressed Bulgaria’s multilateral support for security, energy assistance, and participation in international formats for the reconstruction of Ukraine, the Foreign Ministry said.

John Bass highlighted Bulgaria's contribution and stressed the need for continued joint efforts to ensure that Ukraine has what it needs for the upcoming winter season.

Kondov also raised the issue of concluding a Social Security Agreement, which is of fundamental importance for Bulgarian citizens in the US.

Visa reciprocity and Bulgaria's inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program were also discussed. Bass confirmed the United States’ readiness to take concrete steps, prioritizing the organization of a  visit to Bulgaria of a team of experts to meet with the institutions concerned.