The Minister of Foreign Affairs Georgi Georgiev participated in an informal NATO meeting in Antalya.

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georgi Genchev participated in an informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers, held in Antalya, Turkey. The meeting was held in preparation for the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague on June 24-25, where the Alliance will make important decisions.

In his statement, Minister Genchev emphasized the importance of the strategically important regions of the Black Sea and the Western Balkans for Bulgaria. He stated that as a Black Sea country, Bulgaria is committed to the security and freedom of navigation in the region, including through participation in counter-mine groups. The Minister stressed the need for more visible deterrence and defense by NATO in the Black Sea region, given the serious security threats.

During the discussions between the foreign ministers, the need for a gradual increase in defense spending was emphasized, in order to achieve a more equitable distribution of burdens and responsibilities, as well as to strengthen the defense capabilities of the allies. The Foreign Ministers also discussed the need to ensure long-term support for Ukraine.