Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a 10-year security agreement between Bulgaria and Ukraine. This was announced by the government press service.
“We will continue to support Ukraine and will walk together on the path to our common future in the European Union and NATO,” Gyurov said at a joint press conference with Zelensky after their bilateral meeting. Gyurov pointed out that the current visit of the Bulgarian delegation led by him to Kyiv clearly shows our country’s support for Ukraine and its efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the interest of the security not only of Ukraine itself, but also of the whole of Europe.
According to him, the agreement is an effort that supports Euro-Atlantic security in the entire region. At the same time, our national contribution to the NATO PURL mechanism was also approved, which shows solidarity in difficult times and strengthens the capabilities of the Alliance in the defense sphere, the announcement also states. Prime Minister Gyurov also pointed out the importance of security in the Black Sea region. “We highly appreciate Ukraine’s ability to effectively neutralize attacks, protect critical infrastructure and ensure freedom of navigation,” Gyurov said.
The Prime Minister was categorical that Bulgaria will be a partner of Ukraine not only in the current difficult times, but also in the reconstruction of the country. Gyurov drew attention to the Vertical Gas Corridor and the railway connection between Alexandroupolis and Odessa, which, according to him, are very important objects, ensuring not only energy security, but also the security of the Eastern flank of NATO.
The caretaker prime minister listed a number of areas in which Bulgaria and Ukraine can develop and deepen their cooperation - scientific research, innovation, technology transfer and the defense industry.
In response to journalists' questions, Gyurov noted the priority of the caretaker government to organize fair elections in Bulgaria in April. Regarding the reactors from the Belene NPP, he noted that the Bulgarian parliament is the one that should speak on the topic.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also highlighted the importance of the agreement signed today, the announcement states. “Our teams worked on it for a long period of time,” Zelensky noted. He emphasized Bulgaria’s continued support for Ukraine. Along with cooperation in the field of defense, the President of Ukraine also highlighted the cooperation between Sofia and Kyiv in the field of energy.
Earlier today, Gyurov also met with the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk.