David Cameron in Sofia: Bulgaria is an important NATO ally and economic partner

Bulgaria is an important ally of the UK in NATO and an important economic partner, said British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who is visiting Sofia at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel on February 14. Cameron held talks with her and Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov, with a focus on assistance to Ukraine and the fight against illegal migration.

A good opportunity to build on the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the UK in key areas of added value for the citizens of both countries. This is how the British first diplomat described today's meeting with Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov and Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel. The three highlighted support for Ukraine - financial, military, humanitarian, diplomatic and political - as the most important focus of their discussions.

"Bulgaria is an important NATO ally. This morning we discussed firm support for Ukraine, which is fighting an illegal war. Nothing is more important in terms of global and European security. Putin must realise that he has made a mistake and Bulgaria is showing its solidarity, as the UK is doing in supporting this fight," said David Cameron, UK Foreign Secretary.

"The outcome of the war in Ukraine will determine the next years and decades in Europe. We share the view that Ukrainian troops are fighting for the future of Europe on this front. This is not a national issue, but an issue that will predetermine historical events in Europe and on the world stage for years and decades to come. That is why it is our common cause to help Ukraine so that we do not allow Russia to win this war, because it will have bad consequences," said Nikolay Denkov, Prime Minister of Bulgaria.

"Joint support for Ukraine continues. It is humanitarian, financial. Support for Ukraine will continue as long as it is needed. Today more than ever it is important to ensure sustainability and predictability of support to Ukraine", said Mariya Gabriel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

From Sofia, the foreign ministers of Bulgaria and the UK called on the US Congress to approve the financial aid package for Ukraine.

The fight against disinformation, Russia's hybrid attacks and the need for Europe and the world to act more actively in this direction were also among the important highlights of the talks. Cooperation in the fight against illegal migration and human trafficking were mentioned as good examples of effective bilateral cooperation. Partnership in trade, investment, innovation and expanding business opportunities in high-tech industries were also discussed.

Mariya Gabriel and David Cameron also visited the “St. Alexander Nevski” Cathedral, lit candles at St. Sophia Church and took a short walk along Sofia's Largo.

Images by Council of Ministers