site.btaGerman FM Wadephul Highlights Security Partnership with Bulgaria During Visit

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, visiting Bulgaria and meeting with his Bulgarian counterpart Georg Georgiev on Monday, described Bulgaria and Germany as true partners in the field of security. He said that the two countries’ defence industries cooperate closely and voiced desire to further deepen this collaboration.

Wadephul welcomed the Bulgarian government’s investments in the defence industry and stressed that cooperation should be strengthened decisively. He emphasized the importance of building upon and enhancing NATO’s defence capabilities in Europe.

On the topic of the recently reached ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the German foreign minister said that it marked a first difficult and significant stage that had been successfully completed, particularly with regard to the hostages who had endured immense suffering. He added that attention must now turn to resolving the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Wadephul further explained that the next chapter involves addressing new challenges, as the agreement does not yet constitute lasting peace in the region. He noted that many heads of state and government are working to reach a solution related to the establishment of a two-state framework, which Germany currently supports.

Turning to European security, Wadephul highlighted rising Russian aggression and hybrid threats, including drones over airports, cyberattacks, acts of sabotage in the Baltic Sea, and violations of allied airspace along NATO’s Eastern flank. He stressed that Germany opposes these actions both rationally and decisively.

The minister also pointed out that Ukraine faces another difficult winter under the conditions of ongoing war. He underlined that the European Union’s task is to support Ukraine and to increase pressure on Moscow.

Finally, Wadephul remarked that since the beginning of 2025, Bulgaria has been a full member of the Schengen Area, and he expressed the view that Bulgaria and Germany will be further connected through Bulgaria’s upcoming accession to the Eurozone.