In Brussels Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva Demonstrates Continuity in Relations with EU and NATO
For years it has been a tradition in Bulgarian political practice for any newly appointed foreign minister to pay their first visit abroad to Brussels. Ekaterina Zaharieva did not stray from this practice and on 15 and 16 May met with the President of the European Council - Danald Tusk, with the European Commission’s diplomat No. 1 - Federica Mogherini, with First Vice-President of the European Commission – Frans Timmermans and with Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn. She also held a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Thus, in just one visit, the Bulgarian foreign minister established her first contact with the leaders of the EU and NATO, organizations whose work has a direct bearing on her own responsibilities as a cabinet minister.
The Bulgaria foreign minister reiterated Sofia’s position that the EU must speak in one voice on the foreign policy issues. Minister Zaharieva spoke of a unified approach by the EU at the General Affairs Council on migration, security and defence, jobs, growth and competitiveness.
Security was at the core of the meeting the newly elected Bulgarian foreign minister had with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
BNR