Minister Kondov participates in the traditional Transatlantic Dinner of EU and NATO Foreign Ministers
25 September 2024 News
Foreign Minister Ivan Kondov took part in the Transatlantic Dinner given by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The importance and strength of NATO has proven to be a fundamental security factor in the light of today's challenges. Few people could have predicted this 20 years ago. This is what Minister Kondov said in his speech to his colleagues at the forum.
He also pointed out that all member states will be truly secure when Ukraine becomes a full member of NATO.
In his statement the Bulgarian foreign minister also stressed that strengthening NATO's eastern flank and strengthening the security of the Black Sea region are of great importance for security. He also noted Bulgaria's efforts in this direction.
The Transatlantic Dinner is traditionally organised by the US Secretary of State for NATO and EU foreign ministers, in the framework of the opening of the annual session of the UNGA.
Earlier in the day, Ivan Kondov spoke with representatives of the leadership of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), one of the most influential Jewish organizations in the United States. Such meetings with representatives of the organization of the Bulgarian first diplomat during his visits to the United States have become a good tradition in recent years and contribute to the upward development of relations between Bulgaria and the United States, to further deepening the dialogue and finding new opportunities to promote various forms of our mutually beneficial strategic partnership.
Minister Kondov had the opportunity to discuss with his interlocutors both current issues of regional and global importance such as the Middle East conflict and Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as the organization's support for strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation with the United States in key areas such as security and defense, trade and investment, energy security and diversification, tourism, and promoting people-to-people contacts.
Ivan Kondov also briefed the AJC representatives on our country’s efforts and successes in countering anti-Semitism, including in the context of the Gaza conflict, the first National Action Plan combating antisemitism for the period 2023—2027, adopted in 2023, and the implementation of our commitments as a full member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).
Kondov discussed with them other priority issues for Bulgaria, such as the inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program, US support for Bulgaria's membership in the OECD and the signing of a Social Security Agreement.
Minister Kondov expressed gratitude for the close relations and excellent cooperation with the AJC, which have repeatedly proven invaluable for the advancement of the strategic partnership and the building of a lasting friendship with the United States.
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