Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev participates in 3rd Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

Bulgaria’s Head of State Rumen Radev on March 1 participated in the third edition of Antalya Diplomacy Forum at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The theme of the international diplomatic event this year is dedicated to the promotion of diplomacy as a means to overcome crises.

"It is important that Bulgaria's participation in this diplomacy forum is an expression of our common understanding that no matter how deep the controversies are, no matter how acute the conflicts in our region are, achieving their sustainable resolution is only possible through the means of diplomacy," Rumen Radev told journalists.

"The escalation of the war in Ukraine is growing, it is developing. And what can be the outcome? With all the possible speeches I hear from world leaders, we should not make decisions that could lead to the expansion of this conflict."

The President pointed out that if it comes to nuclear weapons - "everything loses its meaning".

Commenting on the planned cabinet rotation on March 8 (when Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel and PM Nikolai Denkov should switch posts), Rumen Radev said that recently he had observed strange criteria for evaluating the performance of the ministers.

"They say about Defence Minister Tagarev that he should vacate the post because he is not doing enough for Ukraine, which is the highest form of nihilism."

"When will the Bulgarians be asked if they like Tagarev and what he is doing for the security of the country?", Radev addressed the leaders of the power sharing parties.

The President stressed that he wanted to see more from the defence minister.

"I want to see a defence minister who will work for the security of our country as a priority," Radev was adamant.

In the framework of various panels, heads of state and government, ministers, representatives of business, non-governmental organisations, academics discussed issues related to the role of diplomacy and finding a peaceful approach to solving global and regional challenges.