site.btaUPDATED Defence Minister Zakov Confers with Visiting U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has arrived in Bulgaria on a two-day working visit at Bulgarian Defence Minister Dragomir Zakov's invitation, Zakov's Ministry told BTA Friday. 

Austin's visit clearly shows that Bulgaria is a reliable NATO ally, Minister Zakov said after the two met Bulgarian and U.S. servicepersons who are taking part in the Joint Training at the Novo Selo Training Area in southeastern Bulgaria, Zakov's Ministry reported. 

According to Minister Zakov, the United States' commitment to the security in Europe was confirmed many times over the past few days, while today's [Friday] visit comes as yet another proof of this.

The Bulgarian Defence Minister described the visit as "significant", adding that for the first time a Bulgarian battalion is training at Novo Selo, which will be under the operational command of the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe. "This is also a historical moment, as it shows that the Bulgarian Army is ever more integrated into NATO's structures and this will continue in the future," Zakov said. 

The Bulgarian-U.S. Joint Training at Novo Selo is important for the Bulgarian Armed Forces, Zakov said, adding that it allows them to work with their allies, acquire certain capabilities and build trust. The Bulgarian servicepersons feel very comfortable and work well with their American colleagues, he said. "Fears should not be instilled that we have allies on our soil, these are not foreign forces, but allied forces," Zakov said. The next steps in the dialogue and strategic partnership will be outlined during the upcoming discussions and meetings to be held during Lloyd Austin's two-day visit, the Bulgarian Defence Minister said. 
The U.S. Secretary of Defense thanked the servicepersons taking part in the Joint Training for their daily efforts to enhance operational compatibility. 

Bulgaria's Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov voiced hope that the joint work will lead to a quick integration, allowing for military operational capabilities to be achieved as soon as possible. 

The Bulgarian Land Forces Commander, Major General Mihail Popov explained that the current Joint Training is part of NATO's activities along the Eastern flank. The Joint Training is held at the Novo Selo Training Area between January and June of this year and contributes to improving the combat capabilities of the Bulgarian Armed Forces and their operational compatibility in national and allied format, the Defence Ministry in Sofia said. 

Prime Minister Kiril Petkov is scheduled to confer with Austin on Saturday, March 19. The two will discuss topics of interest for the two countries during their meeting at the Council of Ministers' building. The Bulgarian Prime Minister and the U.S. Secretary of Defense will give a joint news conference after their meeting.