site.bta Bulgarian MPs Confer with Visiting UK Minister of State for Europe and North America Cleverly

MPs on the Parliamentary Foreign Policy Committee conferred here on Thursday with UK Minister of State for Europe and North America James Cleverly, who is visiting Bulgaria March 10-11, Parliament's press centre reported.

Committee Chairperson Ventsislava Lyubenova noted that Bulgaria and Britain have traditionally good bilateral relations, which she hopes will continue to develop. Although no longer partners in the EU, the two countries remain and will continue being allies in NATO, Lyubenova said. "We will continue to share common values, which nowadays we're called upon not to forget and uphold, because we are witnessing their horrible alternative," she added.

Lyubenova told Cleverly about the declaration adopted by the Bulgarian Parliament on February 24, 2022, which categorically condemns the gross violation of international  law by the Russian Federation and its encroachment on Ukraine's territorial integrity through military intervention. She noted that it is exceptionally important for Bulgaria that an end is put to the conflict. Lyubenova expressed hope that, in this difficult time, Moldova and Georgia will also receive the necessary attention and assistance.  

James Cleverly noted that this is his first visit to Bulgaria at the bilateral level since he stepped into office. He expressed the United Kingdom's support for Bulgaria as a NATO member, adding that the situation in Ukraine reminds countries in the Alliance about their responsibility as friends and allies. It must be demonstrated that the days when it was acceptable to redraw national borders in Europe through the use of force are gone for good, the British guest said. Although no longer part of the EU, it is important for the United Kingdom that its European partners are safe and developing, he said.

On the agenda of James Cleverly's visit are also meetings with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Teodora Genchovska, Deputy PM and Finance Minister Assen Vassilev and Defence Minister Dragomir Zakov.