Bulgaria, Ukraine sign 10-year defence cooperation agreement
Bulgaria’s caretaker Prime Minister Andrei Gyurov and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed on March 30 a 10-year defence cooperation agreement during Gyurov’s visit to Kyiv, according to a statement by the Bulgarian government information service.
“We will continue to support Ukraine and walk together on the path to our common future in the European Union and Nato,” Gyurov told a new joint news conference with Zelenskyy, the Bulgarian government statement said.
Gyurov said that the defence cooperation agreement was an effort that supports Euro-Atlantic security throughout the region.
“At the same time, our national contribution to the Nato PURL mechanism was approved, which shows solidarity in difficult times and strengthens the Alliance’s capabilities in the defence sphere,” Gyurov said.
Gyurov also emphasised the importance of security in the Black Sea region.
“We highly appreciate Ukraine’s capabilities to effectively neutralize attacks, protect critical infrastructure and ensure freedom of navigation,” Gyurov said.
He said that Bulgaria will be a partner of Ukraine not only in the current difficult times, but also in the reconstruction of the country.
Gyurov paid special attention to the Vertical Gas Corridor and the railway connection between Alexandroupolis and Odesa, which, in his words, are very important objects, ensuring not only energy security, but also the security of Nato’s Eastern flank in general.
He listed a number of areas in which Bulgaria and Ukraine can develop and deepen their cooperation – scientific research, innovation, technology transfer. Gyurov also highlighted the opportunities for interaction in the defence industry.
Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of the agreement signed today during the visit of the Bulgarian delegation led by Gyurov to Kyiv. Our teams worked on it for a long period of time, Zelenskyy said.
He emphasised Bulgaria’s continued support for Ukraine. Along with the interaction in the field of defence, Zelenskyy also highlighted the cooperation between Sofia and Kyiv in the field of energy.
Gyurov is the first caretaker Prime Minister of Bulgaria to visit Kyiv since Russia began its illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
In Kyiv, Gyurov held talks with the chairman of Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk.
Gyurov emphasised the need for international attention to remain focused on Ukraine, regardless of the development of the situation in the Middle East.
In the talks, it was emphasised that any peaceful solution should guarantee the sovereignty and long-term security of Ukraine. The importance of providing reliable security guarantees, supported by sustainable investments in the country’s defence capabilities, was noted, the government information service said.
The meeting discussed Gyurov’s participation in the February 24 meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, held with the participation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, at which Gyurov confirmed continued support for Ukraine.
Gyurov told Stefanchuk that Bulgaria remains committed to providing effective security guarantees in close coordination with EU and Nato partners.
The two sides declared their intention to deepen political dialogue and expand cooperation in the field of security and defence, with particular emphasis on stability in the Black Sea region and strengthening the rules-based international order.
The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that in Kyiv, caretaker minister Nadezhda Neynsky held a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Neynsky and Sybiha discussed key issues related to security, energy, transport connectivity and support for Ukraine’s European integration.
“You are defending not only your life, but also your dignity. Peace must be just and lasting, and Ukraine a full member of the European Union,” Neynsky said.
The two ministers also discussed the progress in the processes of holding Russia internationally responsible for the damage caused and the crimes committed against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Bulgaria, as a participant in the Register of Damages of Ukraine, supports its activities to ensure timely compensation for the victims of the internationally wrongful actions of the Russian Federation.
Bulgaria confirmed its readiness to support the effective establishment of the International Claims Commission for Ukraine as a concrete step towards responsibility and reparation for the losses caused, the Foreign Ministry statement said.
The energy sector was also among the topics discussed, with the emphasis on ensuring stability and resilience.
“It was noted that the Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy and civilian infrastructure have not weakened its resistance forces, thanks to the rapid restoration activities, EU support and the high interception rate by the Ukrainian air defence,” the ministry said.
“Bulgaria continues to closely monitor the impact of the escalation in the Middle East on crude oil prices and the international energy market.”
The ministers also discussed the restoration of railway connectivity between Bulgaria and Ukraine, which is of key importance for the development of tourist, cultural and economic ties.
The statement said that Bulgaria is ready to provide all technical and logistical parameters for the safe and effective functioning of the railway connection from Kyiv to Varna and to Bourgas, with a trial service planned for the summer season of 2026.
Bulgaria also supports Ukraine’s efforts to open all key clusters in the European integration process, including the transport sector, the statement said.
(Photo: government.bg)
