A multinational computer-assisted exercise kicked off on Friday at Novo Selo Training Range, one of the four U.S. military bases in Bulgaria, gathering together nearly 700 officers from 12 nations.

Units from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, the United States, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine are participating in the two-week drill codenamed "SABER GUARDIAN", Bulgarian Defense Ministry said on its website.

Expanding the regional strategic partnership in the security field, increasing the interoperability with NATO and command of multinational formations in performing humanitarian missions were among its main objectives, the ministry said.

"Achievement of these goals will enhance the preparation of the command staff of the formations related to the planning process in a multinational environment by working out standard operational procedures," the ministry said.

According to the annual plan of the ministry, more than 40 international joint trainings and exercises will be held in Bulgaria this year.

ANN.Az