Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Gabriel at a meeting with the US Permanent Representative to NATO, Ambassador Julian Smith: Bulgaria and the US are allies and strategic partners providing answers to common challenges
23 October 2023 News
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Gabriel met with the US Permanent Representative to NATO Ambassador Julian Smith at the Foreign Ministry. Ambassador Smith served as Deputy National Security Adviser to the Office of Vice President Joe Biden in the administration of President Barack Obama.
The focus of the talks was on Bulgaria's strategic position in NATO regarding the Eastern flank, security in the Black Sea region and support for Ukraine. Both expressed their support for Israel and strongly condemned the terrorist actions of Hamas. The decisions taken at the Vilnius Summit were also a topic of discussion.
The importance of cyber security and the fight against disinformation was discussed. Deputy Prime Minister Maria Gabriel highlighted the signed Memorandum of Understanding between Bulgaria and the US, which strengthens cooperation to counter foreign manipulation of information. The document provides a solid basis for the two countries to work together against the spread of disinformation and media manipulation, which is a growing threat in Central and Eastern Europe.
Among the other topics discussed were the NATO Innovation Fund and the opportunities for interaction with the Three Seas Initiative, as well as the upcoming meeting of the foreign ministers of the NATO member states.
"Cooperation, sustainability, sharing experiences - these are the messages from today's meeting. I am glad that as NATO allies and strategic partners we are responding together to regional and global challenges", Deputy Prime Minister Maria Gabriel said.
More photos
