Deputy PM for European Affairs Nikola Dimitrov has joined the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), an award-winning international think tank focused on European foreign and security policy and met on Friday with the head of ECFR’s Sofia office Vessela Tcherneva to discuss his role as Council member and enhancing cooperation opportunities.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be invited and have the opportunity to closely cooperate with collages at the ECFR, renowned thinkers and global decision makers,” Dimitrov said.

According to the Secretariat for European Affairs, he thanked Tcherneva for the honor of joining the prestigious ECFR and assured her of his commitment to the mission of this unique platform.

“I believe my personal and professional goals, values and principles are aligned with those of the ECFR, aimed at creating a better and safer Europe for the good of all citizens, especially at a time when we are faced with serious global challenges and events that change our direction and re-examine the pillars of international order,” Deputy PM Dimitrov noted.

Tcherneva expressed at the meeting satisfaction over the fact that Dimitrov has accepted the invitation to join the ECFR, stressing that it presents an opportunity to make joint efforts aimed at strengthening international order values and promoting the Western Balkans’ European perspective.

“ECFR membership, along with regular work engagements, will help Deputy PM Dimitrov to continue to support the European future of the Western Balkans,” the Secretariat for European Affairs said in a press release.

The ECFR brings together top officials and foreign policy experts in a strategically-oriented pan-European community committed to developing value-based policies, as well as promoting stability and security in Europe.

The ECFR is currently co-chaired by former Swedish PM Carl Bildt, the head of Danish think tank EUROPA Lykke Friis, and German MP and head of the Bundestag’s Committee on Foreign Affairs Norbert Röttgen.