US Ambassador Mustafa: Bulgaria-US Relations Have Reached New Level of Growth

29.11.2019
November 29 (BTA) - Relations between Bulgaria and the US are at a new level of growth and engagement, starting with the historic meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Borissov, said US Ambassador Herro Mustafa on Friday. She delivered a lecture on "US-Bulgarian Relations: The Next 30 Years" before Members of the Atlantic Club. The Ambassador noted as another important outcome the establishment of a Strategic Partnership Framework in three main areas of mutual interest: security and defense cooperation; economic, trade, and energy cooperation, and strengthening democracy and the rule of law. Since joining NATO in 2004, Bulgaria has demonstrated its commitment to a strong and free Europe and has been a reliable ally in the Balkans. Bulgarian soldiers have fought alongside US troops in operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan and have participated in coalition operations in Libya, Kosovo, and Bosnia, noted Mustafa. The United States will also continue to support Bulgaria's modernization efforts through the provision of security assistance and facilitating access to advanced US defense technology. "I am proud of our strong economic relationship and how far we have come," said the Ambassador, adding that the United States is among the top six investors in the country. In the coming months Bulgarian companies will be paired with American companies at several trade shows, focusing on security, health, and information technology. The Ambassador declared support for Bulgaria's efforts to diversify its energy supply. Mustafa further said that her embassy will work with their Bulgarian partners to strengthen Bulgaria's democracy and improve opportunities in Bulgaria's free market. Aided by a new resident legal advisor who arrives she plans to work with both government and civil society to strengthen the primacy of the law, foster judicial independence, and tackle corruption. In addition to promoting transparency, a strong democracy must also doggedly defend media freedom and respect minority voices. The US is also ready to lend support on combating cybercrime and securing Bulgaria's wireless communications networks in order to strengthen Bulgaria's defenses in the field of technology and innovation and to ensure that Bulgaria's 5G networks are built with the proper security controls. Taking a question by AmCham Executive Director Petar Ivanov, Mustafa said that the meeting between Borissov and Trump lasted longer because of the important topics that were on the agenda. Mustafa also said that various companies have expressed interest in investing in Bulgaria. RY/PP Source: Sofia, http://www.bta.bg/en/c/DF/id/2114097