Counselor of the US Department of State Derek Chollet is leading an interagency delegation to Sofia, Bucharest, and Brussels from February 7 to 11, the US State Department writes in a press release.

Counselor Chollet will meet with members of Bulgaria’s new government to continue the strategic dialogue talks begun in January 2020 on security, energy, and the rule of law. In Romania, the Counselor will reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-Romania Strategic Partnership in addressing common threats and challenges, particularly with regard to U.S. troop deployments to help defend European allies in light of Russia’s military buildup on Ukraine’s borders. Throughout his trip, the Counselor will reaffirm our ironclad commitment to NATO and our Allies and discuss how the United States can continue to support NATO countries, particularly on the eastern flank, the US State Department press release reads.