Bulgaria Joins US-Initiated AI Declaration with 53 Other Countries

Deputy Prime Minister and Economy, Investments and Industry Minister Alexander Poulev and US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg signed the document in Washington. The US-initiated declaration, endorsed by 54 countries, aims to promote AI innovation, secure digital infrastructure, reliable supply chains and investment in AI infrastructure. During his visit, Poulev met with US State Department representatives, including Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Fleet White, to discuss bilateral strategic cooperation, Black Sea security, defence and space technology.

At his meeting with US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, he discussed expanding bilateral economic ties, attracting US investment in strategic sectors, and developing artificial intelligence and high technology. Poulev highlighted Bulgaria’s IT ecosystem, engineering talent and research capacity, including the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT), as assets for attracting investment and expanding cooperation with US companies. Priority areas include electric vehicles and batteries, data centres, AI infrastructure, space technology and cybersecurity.

The talks also covered the F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft programme and joint industrial cooperation projects. Poulev said Bulgaria was committed to strengthening its strategic partnership with the US and expanding high-value-added manufacturing. Poulev is leading a delegation of 30 representatives from 20 companies on a US business mission organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria, focused on cooperation in strategic and high-tech sectors.