Greece’s National Defence Minister Nikos Dendias was on a one-day visit to Sofia on Thursday at the invitation of Bulgaria’s caretaker Minister of Defence Atanas Zapryanov. During his visit, Dendias met with members of the cabinet to discuss the military conflict in the Middle East and its potential impact on the Balkans.
At a joint statement with Zapryanov, Dendias said that it is Greece’s duty to respond to Bulgaria’s request for support against risks arising from the war in Iran. Since last week, a Greek Patriot air-defence system has been stationed in Northern Greece, providing a missile defence coverage for a large part of Bulgaria’s territory. Two F-16 fighter jets have also been reinforcing the protection of Bulgaria’s airspace. Greece provided assistance after Bulgaria requested additional missile-defence support on March 4, following a missile launched from Iran towards Turkiye.
Zapryanov told the press conference that Iran’s unprovoked attacks on Cyprus and Turkiye are causing serious concern. Zapryanov thanked the Greek government and added: “I am very grateful to Minister Nikos Dendias that my request for Greece to help strengthen the protection of Bulgaria’s airspace received such a swift response.”
Commenting on the war in Ukraine, the Bulgarian Minister said: “We note with serious concern that Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine continues to destabilize the situation in Europe. Through NATO and the EU, as well as on a bilateral basis, we are supporting Ukraine in its struggle for independence.” He added that the operation carried out by the US and Israel in Iran has likewise led to destabilization.
Dendias also met with caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov. The two discussed the potential for shared priorities that could strengthen the strategic positions of both countries. Gurov stated that Bulgaria and Greece hold a leading position in guaranteeing the security of NATO’s eastern flank within the framework of the Alliance’s collective defence. Gurov also expressed his gratitude to Dendias for his contribution to the Multinational Battle Group on Bulgarian territory, part of NATO’s Forward Land Forces.
/RY/