Bulgarian Defence Minister Stoyanov says NATO unity Is Bulgaria’s strongest security tool

Baku, Jul 8 (AZERTACAPP): Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said Tuesday unity and solidarity in NATO are Bulgaria’s strongest security tool, the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) reported citing the Ministry of Defence. Stoyanov spoke at a working dinner of defence ministers during a meeting of NATO heads of State and government.

The transformation of the Alliance into NATO 3.0, backed by major investment in defence capabilities, a strong defence industry and the integration of new technologies, is crucial, Stoyanov said.

He focused on developing the defence industry as part of efforts to strengthen defence capabilities. “Building a modern, integrated and sustainable industrial base is a strategic asset,” he said, adding that attracting more investment, transferring technology and implementing multinational projects are important. Bulgaria’s defence industry can play an important role in the Alliance’s industrial supply chain, the Defence Ministry said.

NATO defence ministers discussed progress on the commitment to increase defence investment and the 2025 Capability Targets. In this context, Stoyanov said that, in line with the commitment made in The Hague, Bulgaria has adopted a National Plan to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. The plan ensures a gradual increase in core defence expenditure and will enable the acquisition of high-tech capabilities across the land, air and maritime domains.

Stoyanov, Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov and Deputy Defence Minister Lyubomir Monov are part of the official Bulgarian delegation led by Prime Minister Rumen Radev. Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova is also part of the delegation.

Ankara is hosting the 36th NATO Summit on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing together the heads of state and government of all 32 Alliance member countries, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, representatives of partner countries and international organizations, as well as thousands of diplomats, experts and journalists in the capital of Turkiye.

The summit agenda focuses on strengthening the Alliance’s deterrence and defence posture, Euro-Atlantic security, increasing defence spending, developing the defence industry, NATO’s future strategic goals and continued support for Ukraine, according to NATO’s website.