Secretary Rubio Holds Call with Bulgarian Prime Minister

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with Bulgarian Prime Minister Andrey Gurov on Thursday, expressing appreciation for Bulgaria’s continued support and cooperation with the United States on key security and strategic matters.

During the conversation, Secretary Rubio thanked Bulgaria for its strong and reliable partnership, particularly highlighting its role in assisting with the evacuation of American citizens and diplomatic personnel from the Middle East. This cooperation has been seen as an important contribution to ensuring the safety of U.S. nationals during a period of heightened regional tensions.

The discussion also covered defense and security cooperation between the two countries. Secretary Rubio praised Bulgaria’s increased defense spending and its commitment to strengthening military capabilities, including the purchase of U.S. defense equipment. These steps are viewed as part of broader efforts to enhance regional security and reinforce partnerships within Europe.

Energy cooperation was another key topic of the call. Rubio welcomed Bulgaria’s support for the Vertical Gas Corridor project, which is expected to improve Europe’s energy security by providing alternative gas supply routes. The initiative also creates new opportunities for U.S. liquefied natural gas exports, helping diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on limited suppliers.

Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration across security, defense, and energy sectors. The call underscored the strong and growing relationship between the United States and Bulgaria, as both countries work together to address regional challenges and promote stability.