December 4, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 193 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page H9229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      U.S. AND BULGARIA FRIENDSHIP

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week, President 
Donald Trump warmly welcomed Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov to 
the White House and reaffirmed the strong alliance between our two 
countries.
  Based on this successful meeting, the United States and Bulgaria 
announced a new strategic partnership framework to deepen our historic 
bilateral relationship which spans over 100 years.
  According to a joint statement to face a growing concern about the 
security situation in the Black Sea, Bulgaria offered to provide a 
maritime coordination function at Varna in support of NATO's Tailored 
Forward Presence Initiative. This is so important and will be a welcome 
step in the formation of an intelligence hub in the region to counter 
destructive activity. The two also agreed to work more closely on 
energy diversification to advance Bulgaria's energy sector, reduce 
prices for citizens, and allow for Bulgaria to become a true gas hub 
and key source of regional energy security.
  These two measures underscore the important role that Bulgaria 
continues to play as an ally and a valuable NATO member. I am grateful 
that President Trump is prioritizing a relationship with a beloved ally 
like Bulgaria.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget 
September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

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