Bulgaria’s caretaker PM and Ambassador of Spain discussed cooperation within EU and NATO

Bulgaria’s caretaker Prime Minister Stefan Yanev met with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain in Sofia HE Alejandro Polanco Mata. The talks focused on the opportunities for deepening bilateral relations in all areas of mutual interest and constructive cooperation within the EU and NATO.

Prime Minister Yanev expressed confidence in the further successful development of friendly relations and fruitful partnership between Bulgaria and Spain, despite the challenges posed by the spread of COVID-19. The Bulgarian caretaker PM outlined a positive perspective to build upon relations both on a bilateral basis and within the framework of the two countries' participation in various international formats.

The two discussed opportunities for deepening cooperation in the area of internal affairs, economy, transport, education, culture, as well as in the military sphere. The main focus was on the potential for more effective cooperation on migration and border protection issues.

During the conversation, the interest of both sides in seeking new forms of cooperation, organizing business forums in priority sectors aimed at establishing contact between business representatives, making visits at the political level was confirmed.

In the military area, the meeting discussed sharing experiences, including in the development of military capabilities. The need for more joint training was emphasized. Emphasis was placed on the prospects for more effective cooperation in the context of the opportunities provided by the European Defence Fund and the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO).

Special attention was paid to the challenges related to the Green Deal and the work on the Recovery and Resilience Plan. In this regard, the possibilities for exchange of information and experience were discussed.

On the issues concerning the enlargement of the European Union and the accession of the countries of the Western Balkans, principled support was expressed by the two sides. The caretaker PM reaffirmed the Bulgarian thesis regarding the European perspective of the Republic of North Macedonia and emphasized the need for a pragmatic approach so as to not allow contradictions of a bilateral basis to be transferred to the European family. The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain expressed his understanding of our national position.

Caretaker Prime Minister Stefan Yanev and Ambassador Alejandro Polanco Mata also discussed Bulgaria’s upcoming early parliamentary elections on July 11 and the challenges facing both sides in this regard.