In an interview for the Russian TASS news agency Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Krasimir Karakachanov stated that points of support must be sought between Europe and Russia, NATO and Russia, for cooperation and for ways of solving problems peacefully.

“There are third parties that stand to gain from the confrontation, such as radical Islam,” Krasimir Karakachanov said. Regarding his predictions for the development of Bulgarian-Russian relations, he stated: “To develop our relations fully, something we want, Russia must find a common language with the EU and NATO, so the restrictions on Russia that exist now may be lifted. Only then can we talk of developing economic relations 100 percent.”

Asked to comment on information carried by media in Bulgaria, that Bulgaria plans to offer naval bases on its territory for use by NATO, Minister Karakachanov said: “This is information spread by fake news websites. No one has made any proposal to us to open additional NATO bases.”