Prime Minister Glavchev: Bulgaria's membership in NATO offered security guarantees
"Bulgaria's membership in NATO offered Bulgarian citizens the most solid security guarantees. It was a civilizational choice, it served to inspire and motivate several generations of Bulgarians, it was a powerful stimulus for the implementation of important reforms and the affirmation of democratic values, and it contributed to the development, peace and prosperity of the country". This was stated by Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev at the opening of the plenary session of the spring session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the Alliance remains an indispensable guarantor of our security and prosperity and said that in the face of Russian aggression against Ukraine, member states must remain united and strongly committed to supporting Ukraine, as well as investing much more in deterrence and defense abilities. Glavchev pointed out that the support of Ukraine and the restoration of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity are essential for lasting peace in Europe. "It is our collective duty to continue our unwavering support for Ukraine and its people. The role of national parliaments is of the utmost importance in ensuring our long-term and sustainable support. Bulgaria remains firmly committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary," the prime minister said categorically.
During his speech, the Prime Minister noted that there is no other region in NATO and the EU that has been so affected by Russia's war against Ukraine in such a serious way as the Black Sea region. The need to apply a strategic approach to the Black Sea was one of the main conclusions of the Second Black Sea Security Conference within the framework of the International Crimean Platform, which was held in Sofia in April this year, the Prime Minister recalled. Dimitar Glavchev pointed out that Bulgaria consistently advocates such an approach to the Black Sea region, which would fulfill the assessment of its strategic importance with content.
The Prime Minister noted that in recent years, NATO has proven even more its relevance and its ability to adapt to the growing security challenges. "I am convinced that we must continue to pursue this course of high ambitions, especially at the Washington Summit. "Ukraine should occupy a central place, as we expect concrete results to ensure a stable and predictable long-term mechanism to support the security of Ukraine, which is adequately and long-term financially secured," the Prime Minister said. Improving the interoperability of the Ukrainian armed forces will provide a bridge to the country's future NATO membership. Dimitar Glavchev also expects that in the discussions at the meeting in Washington, special attention will be paid to the regions of the Black Sea and the Western Balkans.
Prime Minister Glavchev pointed out to the participants in the plenary session that participation in allied and partner initiatives strengthens our resilience and promotes a comprehensive approach to these challenges. In this regard, the proposal to build a Center for Resilience of Democracy at NATO Headquarters, launched five years ago and enshrined in the Strategic Concept of the Alliance, takes on increasing importance in the context of the constant hybrid attacks of authoritarian regimes against our democratic systems.
"Now, more than ever, we must demonstrate our unity and our determination to deal effectively with current and future challenges and threats. NATO was not created for confrontation, but with a positive agenda to protect our values of freedom and democracy," concluded Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev.