SOFIA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian President Rumen Radev here on Friday said his country needed to use NATO's expertise in armament acquisition in order to spend money more effectively.
The acquisition of modern defense capabilities was crucial for Bulgaria's security and enhancement of its armed forces' compatibility with NATO partners, Radev said during talks with visiting NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
Bulgaria had limited resources to modernize its army, so the country needed to spend them in the most effective and efficient way, Radev was quoted by his press office as saying.
In this regard, NATO's expertise and the sharing of experience and good practices in conducting procurement of weapons and equipment was crucial to achieving the best results, said Radev, who is also the Supreme Commander in Chief of the country's armed forces.
Meanwhile, Bulgaria was highly motivated to integrate its defense industry and science in the implementation of joint projects within the framework of NATO and expected encouragement from the alliance in this direction, the president added.
In turn, Stoltenberg said Bulgaria was NATO's strategic partner in ensuring security in southeastern Europe and the Black Sea region, the press office said.
Stoltenberg also highlighted Bulgaria's contribution to strengthening stability in the Western Balkans region and in various NATO peacekeeping missions.
Radev and Stoltenberg also discussed the possibilities of conducting more joint exercises with the Western Balkan partners on the Bulgarian territory, the press office added.
Bulgaria has been a NATO member since 2004.
