Ekaterina Zaharieva Takes Part in NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting
27 April 2018 News
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva participated in a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the NATO Member States, which took place in Brussels today.
That was the last meeting to be hosted by the building in which the North Atlantic Council has convened over the last 50 years.
The Allies’ chief diplomats focused on the Euro-Atlantic perspective of the Western Balkan countries and the Open Door Policy, the situation in the Middle East and North Africa, NATO’s contribution in Afghanistan and relations with Russia.
“The Western Balkans are at the heart of the Euro-Atlantic zone, and their security and prosperity are closely linked to the security and prosperity of the Allies,” Minister Zaharieva said. She called for an objective assessment of the progress of each of the aspirant countries because the Open Door Policy continues to contribute to security in the region and to act as a strong catalyst of reforms. Our top diplomat stressed the importance of NATO-EU cooperation. “The Alliance is not alone in its efforts: NATO and the EU share a strong commitment to the Western Balkan countries,” Minister Zaharieva said. The Bulgarian Foreign Minister expressed clear support for the activation of a Membership Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina, praised the significant progress made by Georgia, and said she expects quick progress with regard to the Republic of Macedonia.
Together with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, the Allies considered the opportunities for deepening cooperation between NATO and the European Union in the Middle East and North Africa. Minister Zaharieva emphasised that the partnership between the Alliance and the EU in the Aegean and the Central Mediterranean must continue, focusing on counter-terrorism and irregular migration control. Foreign ministers concurred on the need of coordinated assistance to enhancing the defence capabilities of partner countries in the region. The Allies reiterated their readiness for the start of a new NATO training mission in Iraq.
Within the context of current challenges, the ministers reconfirmed the validity of the dual-track approach to Russia: the Alliance continues to strengthen its defence and deterrence capabilities while remaining open for meaningful dialogue.
“We welcome President Ghani’s offer and regard it as an important step in the political reconciliation process,” the Bulgarian Foreign Minister said during the discussion on Afghanistan. Ministers considered the options to extend the period of funding for the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces.
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