The NATO membership was a strategic choice that has met the challenges of time
03 April 2014 News
Bulgaria's accession as a full member of the North Atlantic Organization in 2004 was a key moment in the democratic transition of the country and a cause for national pride and confidence. In the past decade Bulgaria has proven to be a reliable ally and has established itself as an active participant in the political dialogue and operations of the Alliance, said Minister Kristian Vigenin in his statement at the opening of the international conference "The Future of NATO," dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the country's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
The membership was a strategic choice that has met the challenges of time, the complex geopolitical situation in the Balkans and the understanding that no country is capable to cope alone with the escalating risks, the Foreign Minister added. Marking the 10th anniversary of the membership, our country remains committed to the political and operational agenda of the Alliance, he said.
In his statement, Minister Vigenin pointed out that currently NATO is facing a variety of risks and threats that require new and adequate approach. Dealing with the new security challenges can hardly be secured only by national means, and therefore the establishment of a common, allied approach and agreement on NATO's role in this area is required.
According to Kristian Vigenin year 2014 will be a turning point for partnerships. After completion of ISAF, the Alliance will need to retain the ability to interact with the partners in future operations, focusing on preparations and trainings. A positive example in this direction is Libya and NATO's decision to launch a mission to provide advice on institution-building in the field of security and defense. As regards partnerships, the Foreign Minister pointed out the strategic partnership between NATO and the EU, emphasizing that acting in terms of complementarily and avoiding duplication of efforts, both organizations work towards finding an adequate way to enhance the defense capabilities .
The crisis in Ukraine put to the test the strategic partnership with Russia, added Minister Vigenin. He pointed out that at the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in 28 format during the Foreign Ministerial Meeting two days ago the participants stated the need to review the relations with Russia and adopted a package of practical measures to strengthen the relations with the Eastern partners - Moldova, Azerbaijan and Armenia.
NATO's future and tackling the new challenges to security is inextricably connected to the Open Door policy, concluded the top diplomat. He reiterated that Bulgaria actively supports this policy and the accession of countries to the Alliance, that are sharing the Euro-Atlantic values and are ready to assume the membership responsibilities.
Welcoming remarks to the participants in the conference were delivered by the President Rosen Plevneliev, Terry Stamatopoulos, NATO’s Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, Simeon Sakskoburggotski, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria (2001-2005), Angel Naydenov, Minister of Defence, Marcie Ries, US Ambassador.
Today, we are convinced that NATO has brought positive change to Bulgaria and the region as a whole. Our accession to the Alliance was not only an act of statesmanship, it was in the interest of the younger generation, said in his statement the President Plevneliev. NATO’s enlargement was a great success. With the accession of new members, we not only strengthened our common values , but also contributed to the removal of some severe dividing lines, said NATO’s Assistant Secretary-General, Terry Stamatopoulos.
In his statement Simeon Sakskoburggotski emphasized the importance of the transatlantic link and expressed gratitude to all who have contributed to the achievement of this strategic goal - joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. For his part, Minister Angel Naydenov said that joining NATO was a matter of civilizational choice, dictated by our European identity and sharing of the Euro-Atlantic values of liberty, democracy, human right , rule of law and market economy. Undoubtedly Bulgaria is stronger today as a member of NATO, and NATO is stronger with Bulgaria as an ally, said to the participants of the conference the US Ambassador Marcie Ries .
The international conference "The Future of NATO" is organized by the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Military Academy "G.S.Rakovski" and the Atlantic Club in Bulgaria. The conference is held under the patronage of the President Rosen Plevneliev with the special support of NATO and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria. The event is part of the National Plan of initiatives with which our country will celebrate in 2014 the 10th anniversary of NATO membership.
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