Krassimir Karakachanov

The Bulgarian Defense Ministry chose the Russian MiG Aircraft Corporation to provide the Air Force with the integrated logistics service for its 15 MiG-29 fighters for the next 48 months, Jane's 360 reports.

Bulgarian Defense Minister Krassimir Karakachanov signed the agreement on March 6 after talks with the Russian company ended on February 16th.

Bulgaria will launch procedures for the procurement of fighter jets and wheeled armoured vehicles by the end of March, defence minister Krassimir Karakachanov said on Tuesday.

"We will seek offers for delivery of new fighter jets as well as used ones [...] We may also extend invitations to a larger number of participants," Karakachanov said in an interview with public TV channel BNT.

GERB postpones the ratification process of the Istanbul Convention to parliament, party leader Tsvetan Tsvetanov announced. In his words, the aim is to hold debates on the subject.

For the first time in 20 years, the majority of Bulgarians are optimistic. This is the data from a survey by Alpha Research Agency done together with NOVA.

55 percent of the people who got questioned, they expect the next year to be better. The opinion is that 36% of respondents will be the same, and worse - 9%.

Saudi Arabia is interested in investing in 5-star hotels in Bulgaria as well as in joint projects in energy, transport and counter-terrorism. Opportunities are being discussed at the first ever visit of representatives of the Bulgarian government in Saudi Arabia, reported bTV. 

Prime Minister Boyko Borisov left on Tuesday for an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A visit to such a high level takes place for the first time in the history of bilateral relations, the press service of the government said.

"We are now starting to build the highway here," Borissov announced, talking about  Strumica-Petrich highway, reported BGNES. 

The first joint meeting of the governments of the Republic of Macedonia and Bulgaria is held today in Strumica.

Prime Minister Boyko Borisov is on a working visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina today, reported BGNES.

In Sarajevo, Borisov will speak with the President of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Zvizdic, with the presidents and vice-presidents of the two Chambers of Parliament as well as with the member of the Presidency Bakir Izetbegovic.

Defense Minister Krassimir Karakachanov said there is no concrete threat to Bulgaria, but pointed out that tensions exist in some regions of Europe. He is convinced that it can only be resolved on the path of dialogue and recalled that Europe has a common enemy - the radical Islam.

The Novo Selo Training polygon near Sliven, Southern Bulgaria, hosted a Distinguished Visitors' Day at the biggest multinational exercise in the Black Sea region Saber Guardian 2017, according to BNR and NovaTV.

Tactical units from Bulgaria, USA, Greece and Georgia demonstrated joint action of the multinational battalion combat group in defense.