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Bulgaria in talks to build military camp for some 5,000 NATO troops — minister

Bulgarian Defense Minister Todor Tagarev clarified that the necessary infrastructure includes not only places to accommodate allies, but also many other facilities

SOFIA, January 15. /TASS/. Plans to build the infrastructure needed to house approximately 5,000 NATO servicemen on Bulgarian territory are in the works, Bulgarian Defense Minister Todor Tagarev said in his interview to the BTV TV channel.

"During my visit to the US we discussed the possibility of providing the necessary infrastructure for deploying a NATO multinational battlegroup on our territory. The US is willing to help us use various international funds to finance its construction. There are plans for the NATO battlegroup on NATO's eastern flank to be expanded to the level of a brigade - up to around 5,000 servicemen. Currently, there is no clear timetable for when work will start, although we are ready to provide everything necessary in a timely manner," the minister said.

Tagarev clarified that the necessary infrastructure includes not only places to accommodate allies, but also many other facilities. "Infrastructure means roads and railroad lines to ensure the prompt deployment of allied troops on our territory. It will include pipelines and fuel storage facilities. It also means housing areas for military personnel. We are working on all these issues, but not all of them are within the purview of the Ministry of Defense," he said.

It was previously reported that the cost of building the Bulgarian military camp will be more than 100 million leva (over 50 million euros), with the date of completion being some time in 2025.

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