site.btaUPDATED Foreign Minister Georgiev Attends Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels

Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev attended a regular monthly meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday. The top European diplomats discussed Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the situation in eastern DR Congo, the Foreign Ministry said.

"On  the day, which marks the third year since the beginning of the war, Bulgaria expresses solidarity with the Ukrainian people and supports efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace. The war that Russia started, has brought immeasurable human suffering, destruction of critical infrastructure and a massive humanitarian crisis," said Minister Georgiev. Bulgaria reaffirms its strong support for Ukraine within the European Union and NATO. The EU continues to apply comprehensive sanctions against Russia, and the latest 16th package of measures is a clear sign of the consistency of European policy.

"Ukraine has the legitimate right to determine its own future. Peace negotiations must be based on the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the country, without external pressure. The EU must play a key role in this process, as it also affects the security of the whole continent," the Minister added. Bulgaria, as a NATO member and located on the Eastern flank and in the Black Sea region, remains committed to ensuring security in the region. The Bulgarian Foreign Minister also stressed the need for greater humanitarian support to Ukraine, including ensuring safe access to aid for civilians and rebuilding the destroyed infrastructure

The Council also discussed the situation in the Middle East following the ceasefire with Hamas and Hezbollah and the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. "Bulgaria welcomes the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire and the release of hostages, as well as the crucial role of the US, Egypt and Qatar in its implementation. The agreement represents an important step towards the stabilization of the region, but it is essential that all parties adhere to it in order to guarantee a lasting cessation of hostilities," the Bulgarian top diplomat stressed in his statement on the issue.