Kristian Vigenin participated in the Meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers
04 December 2013 News
On the second working day of the NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs, several meetings with partners took place: meeting of the NATO-Russia Council, meeting on Afghanistan with ISAF contributing nations, and a meeting of the NATO-Georgia Commission.
Within the framework of the NATO-Russia Council, the Bulgarian Foreign Minister welcomed the progress in the practical cooperation and the development of partnerships in new areas, such as removing dangerous ammunition. He pointed out the useful exchange of views on issues of mutual interest such as Syria, Afghanistan and the achievement of long-term security and stability. Minister Vigenin reaffirmed Bulgaria’s support to the Geneva negotiations. " The peaceful solution to the conflict in Syria will prevent new victims and will enable refugees to return to their homes," he said, emphasizing that the crisis in Syria is threatening not only neighboring countries but also countries from Eastern Europe with the influx of refugees, the humanitarian crisis and the security threats. The NATO-Russia Council adopted a statement of support for the OPCW-UN joint mission on the destruction of the Syria’s chemical weapons.
The focus of the meeting in the ISAF format was the partnership with Afghanistan after the completion of the largest NATO operation, which lasted over 10 years. Among the topics of discussion was the shift towards taking charge throughout the country by Afghan security forces and the post-2014 NATO mission. The ministers sent a clear signal that a condition for the Alliance’s future commitment with a new mission for providing training, advice and assistance and for funding the Afghan forces is the timely signing of the bilateral security agreement between the U.S. and Afghanistan, and the adoption the legal framework for the post-2014 NATO mission.
Last on the agenda was a meeting of the NATO-Georgia Commission at which the ministers reviewed the continuation of the reforms in Georgia and the deepening of the relations with NATO after the recent presidential elections. " We welcome the clear commitment of the government towards integration with NATO, as well as the achieved parliamentary consensus on the issue. We encourage the government and the opposition to continue working together for the advancement of the democratic changes, the defense reform and the establishment of good neighborly relations," said Minister Vigenin, reaffirming Bulgaria’s support for the Euro-Atlantic Integration of Georgia.