Bulgaria’s Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov reaffirmed Sofia’s support for Serbia’s European Union membership bid during his first meeting with Serbian Ambassador Milan Ravic, the Bulgarian Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.
The talks, held in Sofia, focused on strengthening bilateral ties and reaffirming good-neighbourly relations between the two Balkan nations, underpinned by mutual respect and shared aspirations for regional prosperity.
Zapryanov reiterated Bulgaria’s consistent backing for the EU integration of Serbia and other Western Balkan states. Both sides expressed satisfaction with existing cooperation in the defence sector and voiced readiness to expand collaboration across areas of mutual interest.
Discussions also touched on Bulgaria’s ongoing military modernisation, which aims to enhance collective NATO and EU defence capabilities, as well as efforts by alliance members to increase defence spending.
The officials highlighted the importance of constructive dialogue on preserving Bulgarian military monuments and war cemeteries located in Serbia.