As an EU member state and a NATO ally, Bulgaria is an active participant in all solidarity initiatives aimed at strengthening our deterrence and defense capabilities. Growing global challenges require more multilateral governance and rules-based international cooperation. We are all part of the global system and we are all responsible for preserving, maintaining and building international peace and security. This was stated by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov in his speech during the Fourth Edition of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum. The Bulgarian Prime Minister took part in the leadership panel on the topic of “Searching for Partnerships in the Era of Multipolarity“.
Prime Minister Zhelyazkov particularly emphasized the Bulgarian government's proposal to establish and host a multinational maritime coordination center to ensure the safety of shipping in the western part of the Black Sea. The proposal envisages providing constant maritime surveillance and early warning of potential threats and hostile activities from the center, as well as increasing the resilience of critical underwater infrastructure in the region.
Investing in the security of the Black Sea region is an investment in the security of the Euro-Atlantic area, Zhelyazkov was categorical. As a positive example of coordination between coastal allies, the Prime Minister also pointed to the establishment of a Black Sea Mine Action Task Force with Romania and Turkey. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov also highlighted the White Paper on the Future of European Defense, which represents a new strategic impulse and long-term determination towards a true European Defense Union. NATO remains the cornerstone of the collective defense of its members in Europe, the Prime Minister added.
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov emphasized the need to work closely with international organizations and partner countries in order to successfully respond to global crises, threats and challenges. The Prime Minister highlighted the role of the UN, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, NATO, and the World Trade Organization. The European market, in turn, is the most striking example of the success of the removal of trade barriers. Zhelyazkov noted that the world is now driven by blocs and alliances, and competition requires solid negotiating power.