Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Acting Prime Minister of Bulgaria Andrey Gyurov signed a bilateral security agreement between the two countries on March 30. The signing took place in Kyiv during the official visit of the Bulgarian delegation.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Key Provisions and Strategic Cooperation
The document provides for continued military support from Bulgaria, as well as the initiation of joint production of weapons, including drones, on the territory of both countries. President Zelensky emphasized the importance of the agreement regarding Bulgaria’s use of the SAFE program to implement such cooperation, highlighting that this will strengthen the defense capabilities of both states.
“Our teams have been working on this for a long time, and I am very pleased that we have such a 10-year security agreement between our countries,” Zelensky commented in a press address.
Parties paid special attention to the energy component of the agreement: by the end of the year, it is planned to complete the technical setup of the energy corridor, which will allow the transportation of up to 10 billion cubic meters of gas annually. Additionally, Sofia has joined the international PURL program, which aims to strengthen the energy security of the region.
Deepening Partnership and Supporting Ukraine
Andrey Gyurov, speaking in Kyiv, emphasized that the signing of the agreement is not just a formality, but also a result of joint efforts to enhance Euro-Atlantic security. He also noted the importance of Bulgaria’s participation in the PURL program as a demonstration of solidarity with Ukraine, which strengthens the security of the entire European continent.
The head of the Bulgarian government stressed Ukraine’s experience in protecting critical infrastructure, particularly in ensuring freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. Gyurov highlighted that Ukraine is crucial for the security not only of the Black Sea region but also of NATO’s eastern flank.
During the visit, a protocol was also signed between the education ministers regarding the Rakovski Gymnasium in Bolhrad, where the largest Bulgarian diaspora outside Bulgaria resides.
During their stay in Kyiv, the Bulgarian delegation plans to hold a series of bilateral meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, and Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk.