(VOVworld) - NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has pledged to strengthen the shield along the border with Russia, and urged allies to increase their military budgets. He made the remarks during his visit to Bulgaria on Friday.

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Bulgaria's President Rosen Plevneliev. Photo: BGNES

Speaking at a joint press-briefing the same day with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin, Rasmussen said that NATO is taking legitimate steps to reinforce its support to Allies, from the Baltic to the Black Sea, noting the key role of Bulgaria in this region while this region is key to NATO. He called on NATO members to lift military spending while working closer together to acquire the critical modern capabilities to deal with challenges.