Patrick Turner

NATO and EU officials, along with representatives of organisations dealing with foreign affairs and national security, and academics will be participating in a three-day "Black Sea and Balkans Security Forum" international conference that is starting in the Black Sea resort of Mamaia this after-noon.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg arrives on a visit to Sofia on Thursday evening at the invitation of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, the government information service said. They will hold a working dinner to discuss co-operation in the security and defense and stability of the Western Balkans and the region.