In Bulgaria, we have a critical mass of sober-minded people who realize that thanks to our membership in NATO, the country is strong, independent and with such a high level of security. "We had never had this opportunity before," outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel told reporters in Brussels. She participated in the meeting of foreign ministers from the alliance. On April 4, NATO celebrates 75 years since the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington, BTA reported.

NATO membership is a strategic choice for Bulgaria, we are part of the strongest military alliance. Bulgaria participates in it because it shares democratic values and has a valuable contribution to the strategic importance of the Black Sea, the Western Balkans. Bulgaria is determined to contribute to the transformation of the alliance, which meets the new challenges related to security and disinformation. We all say clearly that Russia remains the direct threat to the alliance, but we are united more than ever, Gabriel added.