Readout of Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks' Meeting With Bulgarian Minister of Defense Todor TagarevContracts for Jan. 11, 2024Assistant Secretary of Defense for[...]

Attributable to Pentagon Spokesman Eric Pahon:

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks met with Bulgarian Minister of Defense Todor Tagarev at the Pentagon today to discuss a range of regional and bilateral issues.

Deputy Secretary Hicks congratulated Bulgaria on the 20th anniversary of its joining NATO, and thanked Bulgaria for continuing to host over 1,000 U.S. and Allied forces including the multinational NATO battlegroup.

She praised Bulgaria's steadfast commitment and many contributions to the Alliance, which help to ensure the security of NATO's Eastern Flank during this critical time. Both leaders joined in condemning Russia's unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine.

Minister Tagarev reaffirmed Bulgaria's unwavering support to the Ukrainian people.

Deputy Secretary Hicks and Minister Tagarev discussed Bulgaria's defense modernization priorities and commitment to spending over 2 percent of its Gross Domestic Product on defense.

The Deputy Secretary applauded Bulgaria's recent investments in procuring modern, NATO-interoperable military equipment, especially their recent procurement of Stryker combat vehicles and F-16 fighter aircraft.