İtalya Büyükelçisi Apicella, Plovdiv'deki 17. Hemus Savunma Fuarı'na Katıldı

Ambassador Apicella in Bulgaria at the 17th Hemus Defense Fair in Plovdiv

(ANSA) - SOFIA, 04 GIU - The Italian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Marcello Apicella, accompanied by the military attaché, Col. Vincenzo Ingrosso, the commander of the NATO Multinational Battle Group at the Novo Selo Training Area, Col. Matteo Epifani, and the Honorary Consul in Plovdiv, Giuseppe De Francesco, attended the opening of the 17th International Defense and Security Fair “Hemus,” held at the Plovdiv International Fair, visiting the booths set up by the numerous participating Italian companies. The event, Bulgaria’s premier showcase for the defense, counterterrorism, and security sectors of the defense industry, and a forum for dialogue among allied nations, companies, and institutions, saw the participation of over 200 companies and organizations from 28 countries. This major industry event, spread over a four-day program, is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Economy, Investment, and Industry, and the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation of the Republic of Bulgaria. Representing Italy were, among others, Idv – Iveco Defence Vehicles, Leonardo Spa (which set up a single booth for its Electronics, Helicopters, and Aeronautics divisions), Wass Submarines – Fincantieri Group Spa, and Benelli Defense Spa – Beretta Group. Although not exhibiting, a delegation from Fincantieri Spa was also present. The President of Bulgaria, Iliana Iotova, took part in the official opening of the event, highlighting the strategic value of Hemus as a platform for cooperation between institutions, the armed forces, industry, and the research community, in an international context marked by growing security challenges. Her presence underscored the importance the Bulgarian government places on developing technological and industrial capabilities in the defense sector. In opening the fair, Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov, reiterated the priority of modernizing the Bulgarian Armed Forces (a process made possible in part by the 3.2 billion euros made available to the country under the SAFE program), strengthening military infrastructure, and introducing new equipment. During their visit to the Italian stands, senior Armed Forces officials also discussed certain operational aspects of contracts currently being negotiated between several Italian companies and the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense under the Safe program, regarding which the Italian companies reserved the right to provide further information. President Iotova herself showed particular interest in the products and systems on display by Italian companies, pausing to examine their technical characteristics in detail and requesting extensive information, particularly at the stands of Leonardo and Idv-Iveco Defence Vehicles. The latter stand also welcomed a visit from Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov. Read article...