Bulgaria sends 97 soldiers to Kosovo, joins NATO mission
Express newspaper
07/08/2025 14:41
A contingent of 97 military personnel was sent off on Thursday with an official ceremony in front of the Municipality of Shumen, Bulgaria, to participate in the international NATO mission in Kosovo.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief of Defense, Lieutenant General Mikhail Popov, Fleet Admiral Galin Manev, Deputy Commander of the Joint Forces Command, Brigadier General Plamen Jordanov, Deputy Commander of the Land Forces, Shumen District Prefect Katya Ivanova, Chairperson of the Municipal Council Asya Asparuhova and Deputy Mayor of Shumen, Nikolay Kolev, reports. IT
“Each of you knows that missions are not the same. Every week and every day brings something new. The situation in Kosovo is currently stable, but it can change at any moment. Therefore, you must be ready to react adequately. Follow standard procedures and the orders of your commanders,” Popov emphasized during his speech to the contingent.
He also added: “I am convinced that your experience and preparation will allow you to perform your tasks at a high level. Always keep one thing in mind – in Kosovo, you do not represent only the 29th Mechanized Battalion or the Land Forces. Before our allies you represent the Bulgarian Army, while before the population and local authorities, you are representatives of NATO.”
The Deputy Mayor of Shumen, Nikolay Kolev, presented the contingent with an icon of St. George the Victorious and addressed them with these words: “When a Bulgarian soldier crosses the borders of Bulgaria, this is always associated with an important mission and duty to the homeland. Today we are accompanying you, the soldiers of the maneuver company of the 29th Mechanized Battalion, and we all believe in your good preparation, professionalism and discipline.”
A religious service was also held during the ceremony for the health and well-being of the troop.