Bulgaria insists on accelerated visa waiver for the USA

During the NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Helsingborg, our Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova held key talks with the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Alison Hooker. The main topic of the discussion was Bulgaria's accession to the Visa Waiver Program.

"We have met the technical criteria and the lifting of visas is of crucial importance for the strategic relations between Bulgaria and the USA," our top diplomat emphasized.

Key aspects of the diplomatic dialogue:

  • Technical compliance: The Bulgarian side categorically stated that it meets the necessary criteria for the lifting of the visa regime.
  • Strategic partnership: The focus remains on defense, energy diversification, and the modernization of the armed forces.
  • Political will: The American side confirmed its commitment to continuing the dialogue on the subject.

The visa issue remains a priority for the senior state leadership as well. Vice President Iliana Iotova noted that the question of reciprocity on the part of the EU is an important element that has long been left on the back burner, but now Bulgaria must assert its positions more actively.