Defence minister Dimitar Stoyanov and Canada's new ambassador, Kevin Rex, discussed a Canadian plan for a pilot training school in Bulgaria, the defence ministry press office said.
Canada proposed the idea. It would be a pilot training centre, including for the Air Force's needs. Stoyanov said the ministry backs the project. He said the Bulgarian Army has well-trained pilots who can help with the teaching. The ministry believes the project will open new options for flight training in Bulgaria and lead to closer cooperation with Canada's defence industry.
Stoyanov also raised the issue of a maintenance centre for Stryker vehicles in Bulgaria. He said it is the third biggest modernisation project of the Bulgarian Army.
"We have the expert and technical capacity to service this type of equipment," the minister said. He said Bulgaria can maintain the vehicles for its own army and for other armies in the region that already use them. He said it is "extremely important for us to speed up deliveries of the new equipment".
Rex presented what Canadian defence companies can offer. The two sides discussed a partnership between Bulgarian and Canadian firms and joint initiatives to modernise and develop defence capabilities. They also discussed how to deepen defence cooperation between the two countries.
They also spoke about the situation in the Black Sea and the latest attacks on merchant ships. Rex noted the contribution of Canada, which takes part in the Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Group (MCM Black Sea). Stoyanov said security in the region needs an active and growing contribution from NATO and the EU, along with regional initiatives, including MCM Black Sea.
The minister added that the traditionally good relations between Bulgaria and Canada are a solid base for the partnership. He wished Rex success in his future work.
A few days ago, deputy foreign minister Hristo Polendakov received copies of Rex's credentials. Rex is based in Bucharest. The meeting stressed that opening a Canadian embassy in Sofia is a priority for Bulgaria.