"The Republic of Bulgaria highly appreciates the assumption by the Italian Republic of the role of the framework state of the multinational combat group on our territory.

Thank you for taking on this challenging role at a challenging time.

For us, this is proof of union solidarity and fulfillment of one of the three key missions of the Alliance - collective defense."

This was said by the Minister of Defense Dimitar Stoyanov

Dimitar Stoyanov was born on October 28, 1968 in Svilengrad.

In 1986, it ends today, December 24, at a working meeting with his Italian colleague Guido Crosetto, which took place at Bezmer Air Base.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Ministers of Defense Teodora Genchovska and Katerina Gramatikova, the Deputy Chief of Defense Lieutenant General Mihail Popov, the Commander of the Air Force (Air Force) Major General Dimitar Petrov.

The Italian delegation of the Minister of Defense Crosetto was joined by the Ambassador of Italy to Bulgaria H.E.

Josephine Dzara, the Ministry of War announced.

The Minister of Defense of the Italian Republic, Guido Crosetto, is visiting our country to greet the Italian servicemen of the multinational battle group on the occasion of the Nativity of Christ.

At the working meeting, the two ministers noted the significant contribution of the multinational battle group both to strengthening the deterrence and defense potential of the Alliance, and to enhancing security in South-Eastern Europe.

Minister Stoyanov also introduced his colleague to some of the priority modernization projects of the Bulgarian Army, including the project to acquire a new infantry fighting vehicle, the second eight F-16 aircraft, new three-coordinate radars, the project to develop artillery support capabilities and others.

"Thank you for the warm welcome.

In our person, you have a partner and ally regarding the realization of the modernization projects of the Bulgarian Army.

Our most important contingent is here in Bulgaria.

Over 800 Italian military personnel are stationed at the Novo Selo training ground and this shows our commitment to strengthening NATO's Eastern Flank," said the Minister of Defense of the Italian Republic.

He emphasized that the "Novo Selo" training ground provides excellent conditions and training opportunities for the Italian servicemen.

"For us, Italy is an important partner in the European Union (EU) and an ally in the Alliance.

Both organizations are key to our security and defense.

Regardless of the difficulties and challenges, we are committed to the fulfillment of the commitments made, focused on the modernization and increase of the interoperability of our armed forces", stated Minister Stoyanov.

Other topical issues were also discussed, such as the importance of Corridor N 8, which will connect the Adriatic and Black Seas, military mobility, industrial cooperation and security in the Black Sea region.

The defense ministers of Bulgaria and Italy expressed their readiness to deepen bilateral military-technical cooperation in the process of building defense capabilities.

The possibilities of providing replacement platforms for the Bulgarian Air Force, the possibilities of acquiring submarines from the Italian Republic for the Naval Forces, as well as the participation in joint exercises and preparations were also discussed.

Among the topics of the conversation was the participation in NATO and EU initiatives to help Ukraine counter Russian aggression.

Dimitar Stoyanov: Military aid to Ukraine will not harm the capabilities of our army

Minister Stoyanov invited his Italian colleague on an official visit to Bulgaria.

Dimitar Stoyanov