Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel meets US permanent representative to NATO Julianne Smith

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel met at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with US Permanent Representative to NATO Julianne Smith, the Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.

The discussions focused on Bulgaria's strategic position in NATO regarding the Eastern flank, security in the Black Sea region and support for Ukraine. Both expressed their support for Israel and strongly condemned the terrorist actions of Hamas. The decisions taken at the Vilnius Summit were also discussed.

The importance of cybersecurity and the fight against disinformation was another topic of the conversation. Gabriel highlighted the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Bulgaria and the US which strengthens cooperation to counter foreign manipulation of information. The document provides a solid basis for the two countries to work together against the spread of disinformation and media manipulation, which is a growing threat in Central and Eastern Europe.

Other topics discussed included the NATO Innovation Fund and the possibilities for interaction with the Three Seas Initiative, as well as the forthcoming meeting of the foreign ministers of NATO member states.

"Cooperation, sustainability, sharing experiences - these are the messages from today's meeting. I am glad that as NATO allies and strategic partners we are responding together to regional and global challenges," the Bulgarian Foreign Minister said.

Ambassador Smith also met with President Rumen Radev and Defence Minister Todor Tagarev. She participated in the International Conference "Winning the Peace in Ukraine", organised by the Sofia Security Forum with the assistance of the US Embassy in Bulgaria, which took place on Friday at the Central Military Club in the capital. The US is grateful for what Bulgaria has done for Ukraine, Smith said at the conference, stressing that amid the complex security environment, the US will continue its support to Ukraine, but will also provide support to Israel.