Strengthening the transatlantic bond is a key priority for Bulgaria
19 May 2015 News
Strengthening the transatlantic bond is a key priority for the Bulgarian government. We need to work for NATO’s unity because it is the strongest guarantor of the security and stability of Bulgaria and the region, said Minister Daniel Mitov at the meeting with General Joseph Ralston, Supreme Commander of NATO forces in Europe (2000-2003). He is participating in the conference "Are we ready to stand for our values? The world between arms and diplomacy,” held today in Sofia.
They discussed a number of topics in the field of security and cooperation and Minister Mitov thanked Gen. Ralston for his support during the negotiation process for membership of our country in the Alliance. For his part, Gen. Ralston emphasized that Bulgaria has come a long road of reforms and he will remain our strong ally in the future.
Minister Mitov and Gen. Ralston focused on the new challenges to the world order, expressing strong concern about the conflict in Ukraine, and the rise of violent extremism in the Middle East and North Africa. "We are facing a number of threats that require more than ever NATO and other international actors to continue to cooperate, because only the effective partnership will lead to positive results in resolving these conflicts," the Foreign Minister said.
They discussed also the political crisis in the Republic of Macedonia. Minister Mitov and Gen. Ralston shared the opinion that the stable and democratic development of the country and the implementation of the necessary reforms are important steps for achieving the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the Republic of Macedonia.