NATO Deputy Secretary-General Radmila Šekerinska highlighted Bulgaria ’s “ exceptional potential ” in developing its defense industry during her meeting with Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov at the Council of Ministers. Šekerinska cited initiatives linked to the SAFE mechanism and the recently announced contract with Rheinmetall as clear examples of Bulgaria ’s progress in this area. During their discussion, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov reaffirmed Bulgaria ’s commitment to all decisions taken at