Almost two years on from Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the
Foreign Secretary will visit Bulgaria and Poland before
travelling to the Munich Security Conference. The trip will
underline the UK’s commitment to international security and
demonstrate how the UK is increasing operational cooperation for
countries around Europe grappling with the huge challenge of
illegal migration.
Ukraine will be on the agenda throughout the visit, with the
Foreign Secretary focused on work with partners, including
Bulgaria and Poland, to ensure Ukraine has the support it needs.
Discussions will include how to strengthen Ukraine in the war
now, ensure Ukraine wins if Putin prolongs hostilities and to lay
the foundation of Ukraine’s long-term future.
The Foreign Secretary will also discuss how the UK is stepping up
its support for the key NATO allies, including to build
resilience, end dependence on Russian energy and tackle cyber
threats and disinformation during talks with his
counterparts. Later in the week, the Foreign Secretary will
attend the Munich Security Conference, urging allies to boost
defence production for Ukraine.
During the visit, the Foreign Secretary is expected to say:
Putin believes he can get away with aggression. That he can wait
out the West.
We have the resources, the economic might and the expertise. We
need to show that we have the will to see this through.
We must stand up for freedom and match our words with action. On
sanctions. On support for Ukraine. On defence production.
And we must show unity – we must all stand with Ukraine and let
them – and Russia – know that they have our support for the long
haul.
The Foreign Secretary will also see first-hand joint work taking
place on illegal migration in Bulgaria. This will include
visiting Border Force officials in Sofia to understand how
UK-Bulgaria cooperation is disrupting the supply of small boats
and other parts destined for illegal channel crossings, breaking
the business model of people-smuggling gangs.
As a key country on the route of criminals transporting small
boats equipment across Europe, the UK is providing £1.2million of
training and capacity support to Bulgaria, including border
surveillance drones, vehicle search training, search dog training
equipment and thermal imaging devices.
This funding expands the work the UK and Bulgaria are doing to
tackle organised immigration crime through increasing
intelligence sharing and practical support. Up to 50% of all
those using the Balkans as a migration route into Europe are
believed to come through Bulgaria, which has become the main
transit route for dangerous equipment used to facilitate small
boat crossings in the Channel.
In Bulgaria, Foreign Secretary is expected to say:
We need to work side-by-side on the challenges that endanger our
security and prosperity, such as tackling the scourge of
people-smuggling gangs and illegal migration – only by collective
resolve can these threats be overcome.
