Cooperation in the areas of defence and security between Bulgaria and Poland has been on the agenda of Monday’s talks in Sofia between Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and Polish President Andrzej Duda, the government press office has announced.

“The Bulgarian prime minister drew attention to the activities of the government for the modernization of the Bulgarian armed forces,” the press office said in a statement without giving further details.

Last year, Bulgaria concluded an intergovernmental agreement with Poland for the repair of six engines for Russian-made MiG-29 fighter jets of the Bulgarian Air Force for nearly BGN 12 M (EUR 6 M). 

Bulgaria’s Defence Ministry said last week that had launched a public tender for the supply of 10 engines for MiG-29 fighter jets. The engines can be either new or repaired ones and are needed to extend the operational lifespan of five Bulgarian MiG29s.

Borisov also highlighted the common interest of the two countries in ensuring Europe’s energy security by building the European Energy Union. He expressed hope that Poland would help the European Commission keep in focus those interests, according to the 

Andrzej Duda, who is on an official visit to Sofia, met with his Bulgarian counterpart Rosen Plevneliev earlier on Monday.