Eight Bulgarian marines received NATO In Service of Peace and Freedom medals for their participation in Active Endeavour operation.

All are members of the crew of Druzki frigate.

General Jurgen Bornemann awarded the soldiers in the Defence Ministry on March 27, Focus news agency reported.

The ceremony was an indication that although Bulgaria was a new NATO member, it contributed to the alliance’s operations, Bornermann said.

Bulgaria contributed to the fight against global terrorism, he said.

Deputy Defence Minister Sonya Yankoulova said that the medals are the first that Bulgarian troops received for their participation in an international peacekeeping operation. “We all know that terrorism is a major threat, which worries and challenges the alliance,” Yankoulova said.