Bulgaria's progress in preparations for NATO membership will be discussed by NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Joseph W. Ralston during his two-day visit, starting March 18. The state of European security and defence policy will also be on the agenda of General Ralston’s visit. General Ralston is to visit the Air Sovereignty Operations Centre (ASOC) and to deliver a lecture before the Atlantic Club of Bulgaria. In December when Foreign Minister Passy met with Ralston, the high-ranking official told Passy that Bulgaria gave a good example to all allies in the anti-terrorist coalition in allowing the Black Sea city of Burgas base to be used for the Enduring Freedom operation.Bulgaria hopes to receive invitation for NATO entry at the summit in Prague this autumn. Ralston's visit is in line with a series of visits that NATO high-ranking officials are currently paying to Bulgaria to review the country's readiness to join the Alliance.