Stefanishyna, Yanev discuss bilateral relations, security in Black Sea region

“At the beginning of the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration dwelled on the importance of intensifying the dialogue between Ukraine and Bulgaria at a high political level,” the Government portal informs.

Prime Minister Stefan Yanev reaffirmed Bulgaria's readiness and interest in strengthening bilateral contacts. He emphasized Bulgaria's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, European prospect, and the Government of Ukraine's efforts to pursue reforms.

The key topics of the meeting were: Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, the NATO summit on June 14, security in the Black Sea region, and bilateral relations. Ukraine shaped concrete proposals for deepening regional cooperation to strengthen security in the Black Sea region and called on partners to consider them.

Stefanishyna also stressed the importance of taking into account the interests of partners when discussing the future Alliance and clearly reaffirming the prospects for Ukraine and Georgia’s membership in NATO.

As noted, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration expressed hope for support in building Euro-Atlantic unity around enhancing Ukraine's integration, which will be the best response to security threats in the region, as well as a powerful impetus to historical transformations within Ukraine.

“During the conversation, a special emphasis was placed on the security situation provoked by the Russian aggression, in particular on the eastern border of Ukraine, where a significant number of equipment and troops of the Russian Federation are concentrated. Olha Stefanishyna spoke about the systemic transformations of the security and defense sector aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities. At the same time, Ukraine's commitment to political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict was emphasized,” reads the statement.

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