Bulgaria’s PM and US Deputy Secretary of State: 5G networks are the future backbone of our economies and societies

Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and the US Deputy Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy Security and Environmental Protection Keith Krak welcomed the increasingly dynamic political dialogue between Bulgaria and the United States as a result of the strategic partnership.

Borissov and Krak held a meeting on October 23 within the frame of the visit of the US Deputy Secretary of State to Bulgaria. This is the third meeting between the two this year, which is another expression of the enhanced cooperation between Bulgaria and the United States after the visit of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov to Washington in November 2019.

The meeting focused on priority issues of the strategic partnership, such as deepening trade and economic cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations in the field of security of fifth generation (5G) wireless communications networks.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister and the US Deputy Secretary of State agreed that 5G will become the infrastructure for connectivity, which will be key for all sectors of society such as e-health, smart grids, transport and mobility.

5G networks are the future backbone of our increasingly digitalized economies and societies, it was emphasized during the meeting. That is why the European Union and NATO are partnering in the field of 5G to ensure the reliability of the infrastructure and supply chain.

Another focus of the conversation was the partnership in security and defense, which are among the key dimensions of bilateral relations.

"The acquisition of F-16 Block 70 fighters is an important step forward in the modernization of the Bulgarian Air Force," said Prime Minister Borissov. He was adamant that the projects for modernization of the Air Force will provide conditions for industrial cooperation, which will contribute to the long-term economic development of Bulgaria and the competitiveness of the country.

"The United States is an important strategic partner of Bulgaria in the field of energy," said Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. In this context, in June 2020, the US proposed the signing of a bilateral Memorandum on Strategic Cooperation in the Field of Nuclear Energy for Civil Purposes. "Promoting this partnership is another key element in the transition to a low-carbon economy," said Boyko Borissov.

During the meeting, a high assessment was given to the development of landmark documents in priority areas for Bulgaria and the United States, which will be signed.