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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel embarked on a historic official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, responding to an invitation extended by Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. This landmark visit marks the first time in more than 12 years that a Bulgarian foreign minister has visited Egypt, underscoring the importance of strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
During the visit, the inaugural meeting of the Bulgaria-Egypt Joint Cooperation Commission took place, marking a significant milestone since its establishment was announced in 2018. Chaired by the respective foreign ministers of Bulgaria and Egypt, the Commission provides a platform for fostering closer collaboration and enhancing cooperation across various domains.
Expressing the significance of Egypt as a key partner in the Middle East and North Africa region, Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel highlighted Bulgaria’s longstanding and esteemed relationship with Egypt. Emphasizing mutual respect and shared interests, she reiterated Bulgaria’s commitment to maintaining an active dialogue and furthering cooperation with Egypt.
Accompanying Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel on the visit was a high-level Bulgarian delegation comprising Minister for Defence Todor Tagarev, Minister for Transport and Communications Georgi Gvozdeykov, Minister for Economy and Industry Bogdan Bogdanov, Minister for Innovation and Growth Milena Stoycheva, and Minister for Energy Rumen Radev.
The discussions during the visit centered on exploring opportunities for collaboration in various sectors, including the economy, new technologies, energy, green hydrogen, trade, agriculture, and innovation. Both sides emphasized the importance of expanding trade relations, boosting investment, fostering people-to-people contacts, supporting talent development, and enhancing educational cooperation.
An important outcome of the visit was the signing of three significant documents aimed at further deepening cooperation between Bulgaria and Egypt. These documents include agreements on mutual exemption from the requirement to hold short-term residence visas for holders of diplomatic and service passports, defense cooperation, and cooperation in the field of natural gas.
In her concluding remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel expressed optimism for the future of the partnership between Bulgaria and Egypt. She underscored the importance of addressing common challenges and working together to build a more secure future for the citizens of both nations. Additionally, she expressed hope for a future visit by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to Bulgaria, further cementing the bilateral ties between the two countries. |
