Ambassador Merten: The strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the USA is stronger than ever

The strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the US is stronger than ever, US Ambassador to Bulgaria Kenneth Merten said during his first lecture in Bulgaria on July 27. He added that he admired our country and urged President Joe Biden to visit Bulgaria.

The event was organized by the Atlantic Club in Bulgaria. The occasion was the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The ambassador promised to work with the Bulgarian government to drop the visas for the US, but reiterated that the decision is not political, but there are clear criteria that must be met.

Merten also commented on the war in Ukraine, stressing that military aid to the country must continue.

"Today marks more than 500 days since Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the international community must be more united than ever to defend our common values. As President Biden made clear, Russia remains the only obstacle to peace in Ukraine. Only Russia can end this war today. President Putin and the Kremlin must be held accountable for their reckless actions, which have led to needless death and destruction, displaced millions of innocent civilians from their homes, and undermined the foundations of the international order through which they sought to redraw borders by force. We cannot accept this aggression, which undermines the sovereign borders of any country," Marten said.