A Bulgarian-German forum in Sofia is discussing investment opportunities in defence today in Sofia, BNR reporter Dobromir Videv informs. The forum is attended by representatives of German companies and Bulgarian politicians, including Bulgarian President Rumen Radev. 

German security and defence companies are presenting their products and technologies to forge new contacts and deepen trade and partnership relations with Bulgarian businesses. "Germany is a leading investor in Bulgaria and our number one trading partner," President Radev said at the forum, as quoted by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA).

He emphasised the importance of German investment in the civilian sector and expressed hope that cooperation would also extend to the military. Bulgaria is participating in the initiative to jointly purchase IRIS-T missile defence systems. 'We are talking not only about the purchase, but also about industrial cooperation,' said Radev.

The forum also recalled that Germany and Bulgaria are working together on the construction of two new ships for the Bulgarian Navy. Meanwhile, arms manufacturer Rheinmetall expressed interest in investing in the construction of a gunpowder factory in Bulgaria.