Opening statement

Thank you very much Minister,
Thank you Kristian for those kind words.

We have just had substantive and timely talks. I am here to thank Bulgaria for its significant contribution to NATO as we mark the tenth annivesary of your accession to our Alliance. To demonstrate how important this region is for NATO. And to consult with you at a time when we see a grave challenge to the values and the principles that we uphold and that underpin Euro-Atlantic security.

Russia's aggression against Ukraine challenges the foundations of what we have built with such efforts since the end of the Cold War. Democracy, the rule of law, and the fundamental right of each sovereign state to choose its own path.

We are an Alliance of democracies. NATO's core task is to defend and protect our Allies against any threat. And that commitment is steadfast.

We are taking legitimate steps to reinforce our support to Allies, from the Baltic to the Black Sea. And let there be no mistake. Those steps are entirely in line with our international commitments and with our agreements with Russia, which Russia itself continues to blatantly breach.

We have stepped up our practical and political support to Ukraine, to bolster its defence capacity within the framework of our partnership.

We are reaching out to Moldova, Georgia and other long-standing partners across the region to strengthen our cooperation.

And we have made clear to Russia that this can no longer be business as usual, while keeping open the diplomatic channels of communication. Nobody wants to isolate Russia. But Russia is isolating itself internationally more and more every day. It is urgent that Russia ends its destabilisation of Ukraine, pulls back its troops, and rebuilds trust.

Bulgaria has a key role in the region. And this region is key to NATO.

Thank you.