The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov yesterday. Secretary Blinken congratulated Prime Minister Petkov on his December 13 confirmation and for Bulgaria’s successful formation of a new government. The Secretary conveyed the United States’ support for the new government’s focus on the COVID-19 crisis, rule of law and anti-corruption reforms, and greater energy diversification and independence, with a shared understanding of the benefits that such initiatives will bring to the people of Bulgaria.
Secretary Blinken expressed the United States’ appreciation for Bulgaria as a reliable NATO Ally and reaffirmed our intent to expand our partnership into new domains such as the promotion of Bulgaria’s clean energy transition, defense modernization, and 5G security, while working toward a shared vision of a strong and vibrant transatlantic relationship and an expanded European Union.