Greece’s immediate response to Bulgaria’s request for defense assistance boosts regional security and stability, National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said in a post on X platform on Thursday, speaking from Sofia.
Dendias said he was received by Prime Minister of Bulgaria Andrey Gurov and they discussed security challenges in the greater region.
In statements during his meeting with the prime minister, Dendias said that “Bulgaria is not simply a friendly country, but a neighboring country, a partner.”
He said that Greece always supported the Thessaloniki Agenda, Bulgaria’s accession in the European Union, and clarified that “assistance to Bulgaria is our obligation, not a choice, and we are particularly happy to support Bulgaria.”
PM Gurov expressed his appreciation for the assistance, especially during these critical times, and said that Greece was one of Bulgaria’s closest allies as a neighboring country. Opportunities for bilateral cooperation are extended beyond security and include transport, regional cooperation, and cooperation in energy and several other sectors of mutual interest.
Dendias also met with his counterpart Atanas Zapryanov, with whom he made joint statements to the press.
Greek assistance includes a Patriot battery, while a pair of F-16s covers the entire Bulgarian airspace from threats, including drones.
Source: ANA – MPA