Is Bulgaria committed to NATO or could be used as a ‘Trojan horse’ for Russia? In a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg the Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov assured the Alliance of his country loyalty.
Stoltenberg payed a visit to Sofia on Friday, March 1. In a joint press conference, the Bulgarian PM said his country is among the most loyal members of NATO.
“Bulgaria is not the Trojan horse of Russia in NATO, we are one of the most disciplined and loyal members of the Alliance,” said Borissov.
“Bulgaria plays a strategic role in the Black Sea region,” said Stoltenberg. “We do not want a new Cold War or arms race, therefore call on Russia to come back into compliance with the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty).”
NATO’s SG thanked Bulgaria and praised the country’s role in the Alliance. While Bulgaria is one of the poorest member states of NATO, spends 2% of its GDP on defence, reaching the NATO goal.
“Bulgaria has contributed to strengthening the Alliance,” the Secretary General said.
Bulgaria is worried over the possibility of a heightening in the arms race between US, and by consequence NATO member states, and Russia.
This is why Borissov’s country wants to continue the dialogue with Russia.
Sofia expects the official visit of the Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Monday, March 4.
Borissov and Stoltenberg discussed North Macedonia’s accession to NATO – supported by Sofia- Serbia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as other conflict zones where the Bulgarian soldiers are present.
Bulgaria became a full member of NATO in March 2004 and of the European Union in 2007.
