SOFIA, Bulgaria (BulgarianMilitary.com) – Bulgaria’s Defence Minister Krasimir Karakachanov and the Chief of Defence General Andrey Botsev took part in the traditional videoconference with the national commanders of the Bulgarian military contingents participating in operations and missions in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Mali, which was held yesterday (20th December). It was organized by the Joint Forces Command, and led by Major General Ivan Lalov, Deputy Commander of the Joint Forces Command, learned BulgarianMilitary.com.

After the videoconference, the Defence Minister said: “We should all be grateful to these men and women in uniforms, who represent the Bulgarian Army with dignity in missions abroad.” He also awarded the participants in the reconstruction and stabilization operation in Iraq. The servicemen were awarded for contributions to the international operations of the Bulgarian Army and in connection with the 15th anniversary of terrorist attack in the India military base in Iraq

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The Chief of Defence General Andrey Botsev expressed gratitude to the servicemen for their professionalism, responsibility and dedication. Both congratulated the soldiers on the upcoming holidays, wishing them health, luck, professional and personal success, as well as a safe return to home.

More than 200 Bulgarian servicemen carry out tasks in NATO and EU operations and missions, out of our country. They all professionally fulfill their functional duties and the tasks assigned to them. This was stated in the reports of Colonel Mitko Dimitrov, the national commander of the 37th contingent in Afghanistan, Col. Milen Hristov, the national commander of the contingent in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lieutenant Colonel Simeon Ivanov, the national commander of the contingent in Kosovo and Lieutenant Dr. Todor Ganchev, national commander of the contingent in Mali. They also said that in the continents, traditions of respect and mutual support are built. The national commanders also expressed gratitude to the Joint Forces Command for the good organization of work and their support.

Read more: The 37th Contingent of the Bulgarian Army Left for Afghanistan to Join NATO’s Resolute Support Mission

In response to reporters’ questions, the Defence Minister Karakachanov announced that he expects by the end of the year the expert committee considering and evaluating the bids for the new type of combat aircraft, to come up with a recommendation, which will be submitted to the Council of Ministers in January 2019.

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About the project “Main combat materiel acquisition and maintenance for developing battalion battle groups”, the Defence Chief General Andrey Botsev explained that request for proposals (RFP) will be sent to companies at the beginning of the new year, with the aim of avoiding shortening the time for bid preparation. He added that the process for realization of the project for the acquisition of multifunctional modular patrol boats for the Bulgarian Navy is underway, but it is likely the deadline for submission of tenders to be extended by 30 days.

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BulgarianMilitary.com

Source: MoD of the Republic of Bulgaria