Acknowledging the need to further strengthen the consolidated capacity of the Euro-Atlantic community to counter existing and potential global challenges and security threats,
Emphasizing that the Russian Federation is the most significant and direct threat to Allies´ security and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area, as stipulated in the NATO 2022 Strategic Concept adopted by Heads of State and Government at the NATO Summit in Madrid on 29 June 2022,
Recalling that NATO does not seek confrontation, poses no threat to Russian Federation and will continue to respond to Russian threats and hostile actions in a united and responsible way, including by strengthening deterrence and defence for all Allies, enhancing resilience and supporting its partners to counter malign interference and aggression,
Taking note that in NATO Madrid Summit Declaration as of 29 June 2022 the Alliance reiterates its unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders extending to its territorial waters, as well as fully supports Ukraine’s inherent right to self-defence and to choose its own security arrangements,
Referring to the Article 10 of the NATO Washington Treaty, which clearly states that any other European State in a position to further the principles of this Treaty and to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area may be invited to accede to this Treaty,
Recalling the NATO 2008 Bucharest Summit Declaration where Allies agreed that Ukraine will become member of NATO,
Taking note of the Constitution of Ukraine which defines acquiring full-fledged membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as a strategic course of the state,
Noting Ukraine’s significant contribution to the security of North Atlantic area, in particular its efforts to deter Russia's unprovoked and unjustified military aggression,
Having regard to the Joint Appeal of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Speaker of Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as of 30 September 2022 on Ukraine’s application for NATO membership,
Noting a firm stance of the Republic of Bulgaria with regard to Ukraine’s strategic course of Euro-Atlantic integration,
Ukraine and the Republic of Bulgaria
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welcome the significant achievements of Ukraine in advancing on the path of Euro-Atlantic integration, in particular, with regard to achieving interoperability with NATO being demonstrated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the battlefield;
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confirm their commitment to strengthen joint efforts in supporting the integration of Ukraine with the Alliance and implementation of NATO standards;
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declare the following:
- the Republic of Bulgaria will continue to support Alliance’s strong and effective political and material support for Ukraine aimed at ensuring the ability of Ukraine to effectively defend its territories on land, at sea and in the air;
- Ukraine highly appreciates all practical assistance being provided by the Republic of Bulgaria and the people of Bulgaria in order to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities;
- the Republic of Bulgaria will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. It will continue to provide military, technical, defence, and humanitarian support to the people of Ukraine, individually as well as through international cooperation within the European Union, NATO, the United Nations and other formats;
- the Republic of Bulgaria is committed to participate together with international organizations, allies and partners in the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine after the war.
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agree that security of Ukraine is vital for the stability of the Euro-Atlantic area. Bulgaria fully supports the NATO-Ukraine Council as a venue to further increase and expand ongoing cooperation to help fulfil Ukraine’s path towards the Euro-Atlantic family;
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note that the Republic of Bulgaria supports Ukraine to become NATO Member as soon as conditions allow for it. The membership of Ukraine to NATO is the only way to provide sufficient level of security in the broader sense for Ukraine and for the entire Euro-Atlantic family. The accession of Ukraine to NATO will make Ukraine safer, the Alliance stronger and the Euro-Atlantic area more secure;
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Ukraine and Bulgaria look forward to addressing all these issues at the NATO Summit in Vilnius in July 2023.
Signed in duplicate in Sofia, Republic of Bulgaria on 6 July 2023 in English language.
For Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
For the Republic of Bulgaria Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov