4234 | 25 March 2025 | 11:23

Special emphasis was placed on the Joint Declaration from the meeting in Jeddah, which outlines the possibility of a 30-day ceasefire and the resumption of U.S. aid for the security of Ukraine

Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Atanas Zafirov, met with the acting ambassador of the United States in Sofia, Mrs. Susan Falatko. In the center of the conversation were international security, the situation in Ukraine, and key elements of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

 Vice Prime Minister Zafirov expressed, on behalf of the Bulgarian government, full support for the efforts of the international community to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Ukraine. He also welcomed the commitment of US President Donald Trump in achieving a swift and sustainable end to the war, as well as the efforts of the American administration to promote global peace and security. Special emphasis was placed on the Joint Declaration from the meeting in Jeddah, which outlines the possibility of a 30-day ceasefire and resumption of American security assistance to Ukraine.

 "We believe that the only path to lasting peace is through diplomacy. Any peaceful agreement must be reached in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and international law," stated the Deputy Prime Minister, emphasizing further: "We believe that continuing the war does not bring solutions. The only path to lasting peace goes through responsible diplomatic dialogue and seeking compromise."

 Progress on key bilateral initiatives was also discussed at the meeting. Zafirov confirmed that Bulgaria is fulfilling its commitment regarding defense spending, despite the economic challenges facing our country. He highlighted progress made in modernization programs, including the expected delivery of the first F-16 aircraft by the end of the month, as well as ongoing talks regarding the purchase of armored combat vehicles, including the "Striker".

 The priority for the modernization of the Navy was also mentioned, as part of the overall ambition to strengthen defense capabilities.

 Deputy Prime Minister also emphasized the strategic importance of energy diversification. The need for a stable regulatory capacity in nuclear energy was underscored, particularly through strengthening the Nuclear Regulatory Agency. Zafirov pointed out that a priority is to ensure that the accumulated funds from the FBR can be used specifically for salary increases, in order to retain key experts.

 Among the other key topics raised by the Bulgarian side were progress on joining the US Visa Waiver Program and heightened efforts to combat human trafficking. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the good cooperation and stressed that the issue of human trafficking is of prime importance to him personally.

 "Victims are often children and people from vulnerable groups. An international response and a systematic, long-term approach is necessary, including prevention, criminal prosecution and support for victims," he emphasized.

 During the conversation, the upcoming third session of the Strategic Dialogue between Bulgaria and USA was discussed. The Deputy Prime Minister confirmed the invitation sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to visit Sofia, expressing expectations for the session to take place in the following months. It will give a new impetus to the bilateral cooperation in areas such as security and defense, energy transformation, trade, innovation, and institutional capacity.