NEWS

The security services should be allowed to work calmly and professionally

President Rosen Plevneliev today held talks with John Brennan, adviser to the US President on home security and counterterrorism, who is on a working visit to Bulgaria. The lessons learnt from terrorist act in Burgas must be applied, and professionals need to be allowed to work undisturbed, President Plevneliev and Mr Brennan agreed during the talks.

President Plevneliev pointed out that Bulgaria is pursuing a balanced foreign policy and remains a good neighbour and reliable partner. The President again expressed confidence that the perpetrators of the terrorist act in Burgas will be brought to justice as quickly as possible.

The President told Mr Brennan that he welcomed the visit by the Israeli Tourism Minister, which clearly showed that the attack in Burgas would not be an obstacle to friendly relations between the two countries. “We all share the same values and will continue to stand together,” the President said. President Plevneliev said that the US was a very important partner of Bulgaria and emphasised that Bulgaria would continue working to preserve and strengthen this partnership in all areas, including security and counterterrorism.

Mr Brennan said that his visit to Bulgaria was a clear signal that Bulgaria could rely on the US for support. He described as strategic the cooperation between the two countries in the areas of security and defence, as well as economy and energy.

President Plevneliev briefed Mr Brennan on the issues to be discussed at the July 26 Consultative Council on National Security.