Acting chief of Defence of Bulgaria Rear Admiral Emil Eftimov and Clive Johnstone, Commander of NATO's Allied Maritime Command discussed ways to extend interaction between the Bulgarian Navy and the NATO standing maritime groups.

The sides expressed their resolve to assert NATO as guarantor of security and a source of stability in the Black Sea region. Eftimov stated that as NATO ally, Bulgaria takes part in the formation of maritime policies and directives that meet its national interests. Clive Johnstone on his part expressed gratitude for Bulgaria’s support in the NATO Sea Guardian operation which is, in his words, acquiring growing significance.