- UK and Bulgaria have signed a joint declaration to expand
defence and security ties, tackling Russian disinformation and
organised immigration crime.
- Comes after agreement announced earlier this month between
Prime Minister and Prime Minister Nikolai
Denkov to tackle illegal migration
- Foreign Secretary emphasised the need for cooperation on
long-term support to Ukraine and security in the Black Sea
region.
The UK will tackle illegal migration, serious organised crime and
Russian disinformation through a new strategic partnership with
Bulgaria.
The Joint Declaration signed by Foreign Secretary and his counterpart, Mariya
Gabriel, in London today (24 October) will drive cooperation on
shared challenges facing European countries, including organised
crime and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The signing follows an agreement announced
earlier this month between Prime Minister and Prime Minister Nikolai
Denkov to tackle illegal migration and organised immigration
crime with increased intelligence sharing and operational
cooperation.
The UK has stepped up cooperation on law enforcement since 2020,
providing training and equipment to the Bulgarian authorities,
including Customs and Border Police, to disrupt the operations of
criminal networks.
The Ministers are also expected to discuss the challenging
situation in Israel and Gaza and the importance of regional
security.
The new “Joint Declaration on the UK-Bulgaria Strategic
Partnership” also reflects a shared ambition to further enhance
close cooperation, including an increase in academic mobility,
R&D and digital trade, as well as boosting links between
businesses through the Bulgaria Expansion Bridge, which supports
companies to set up in the UK.
Foreign Secretary said:
The UK and Bulgaria are strong friends and partners. From our
joint work tackling illegal migration and serious organised
crime, to our unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of
Russian aggression.
This strategic partnership cements our commitment to
strengthening our cooperation in areas like trade, education and
technology, which will help to grow both of our economies.
During their meeting the Foreign Ministers emphasised the need to
continue to support Ukraine to defend itself against Russian
aggression and restore security in the Black Sea
region.
The UK and Bulgaria have been resolute in their support for
Ukraine’s sovereignty, in the provision of lethal aid to Ukraine,
and aligning closely in the implementation of the largest package
of sanctions targeted against those supporting the war in
Ukraine.
The joint declaration demonstrates both countries’ commitment to
a wide-ranging relationship, building on over 140 years of strong
ties. The Foreign Ministers also discussed their intention to set
up a UK-Bulgaria bilateral forum in the future.
