Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander held a call today with new Bulgarian Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov. ASD Wallander congratulated Minister Zapryanov on his appointment and emphasized the importance of Bulgaria and the United States continuing to stand shoulder-to-shoulder as NATO Allies committed to collective defense as well as the shared values and rule of law that underpin our Alliance. The two leaders also discussed their strategic partnership, which has been key to bolstering deterrence and defense of NATO's Eastern Flank, and emphasized the urgency of continued support for Ukraine.