Bulgaria proposes turning the Black Sea into a “collective security” zone

Bulgaria seeks to reach an agreement on freedom of navigation together with the countries of the region and all interested parties.

Bulgaria is preparing an international initiative to ensure freedom and security of navigation in the Black Sea. This was stated by the country’s President Iliana Yotova during her speech at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, writes “Ukrinform”.

“Bulgaria cannot and does not want to remain indifferent and, applying the approach of practical diplomacy, is preparing an initiative within the framework of which it will strive, together with the countries of the region and all interested parties, to reach an agreement and joint actions to ensure freedom and security of navigation in the Black Sea. We are convinced that this topic deserves the attention of the UN,” Yotova said.

She emphasized that the security of the Black Sea region is an integral part of Bulgaria’s national security. The war between Russia and Ukraine has gone beyond the territorial waters of the parties to the conflict and directly affects the country.

Sofia proposes to transform the Black Sea from a zone of increased risk into a zone of “common security”, free transport, energy, trade and digital corridors.

Regarding the ways to end the war, Yotova stated the need to move to political and diplomatic efforts.

“The fate of Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. But Europe cannot be a simple observer, it must be a real participant in negotiations on the post-war security architecture on the continent after the end of the war,” she noted.

The President also called for supplementing military security with a contractual and legal component so that the buildup of defense potential does not develop into a new arms race.

As USM reported, the day before in the Odesa region, the Maritime Guard rescued sailors from a ship attacked by a Russian drone.