site.btaLloyd Austin's Visit, a Milestone in Bilateral Defence Relations - Minister Zakov

Defence Minister Dragomir Zakov described US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin's visit to Bulgaria as a milestone in bilateral defence relations, Zakov's ministry reported on Saturday. This is the first visit to Bulgaria at such a level in 25 years, according to the press release.

Meeting on Saturday, Zakov and Austin discussed the situation in Ukraine. They underscored the unity of the NATO member countries in enhancing the region's security with the measures they have taken to bolster the deterrence and defence potential on the bloc's eastern flank.

Another highlight in the discussion was the standing multinational battlegroup put together by Bulgaria under the operative control of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, which will help increase NATO's defence capabilities in the region.

The two officials further dwelled on matters of priority for Bulgaria related to the acquisition of new capabilities and the upgrading of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, as well as the prospects of cooperation in cybersecurity.

Zakov and Austin set out future steps for the development of Bulgaria's strategic partnership with the United States.

The meeting was also attended by the Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Eftimov, and US Ambassador to Bulgaria Herro Mustafa.