Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel has taken part in the meeting of ministers of foreign affairs in the informal "Gymnich" format. Such open dialogue meetings between diplomats have been held for 50 years. The discussion focused on Ukraine, EU-Turkey and EU-Africa relations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.

"The EU support for Ukraine is of strategic importance. Bulgaria supports the creation of a fund for Ukraine, which envisages joint supplies of the European defense industry,” Mariya Gabriel said. The good relations between Bulgaria and Turkey can contribute to a positive agenda at the European level as well. "Turkey is our strategic ally in NATO and together we defend the geostrategic importance of the Black Sea. On the topic of migration, which is also important at the European level, once again the good cooperation between Bulgaria and Turkey contributes to the protection of the EU’s external border and to the fight against illegal migration," Gabriel said.