Sofia, 27 May 2022 (TDI): The Minister of Foreign Affairs of KSA, Prince Faisal bin Farhan visited the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, and met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, Teodora Jenchovska.

The focus of the meeting was the friendly and mutual respect relations between the two countries and their people.

Further, they discussed the ways to strengthen aspects of bilateral cooperation in various fields and ways to support and develop them.

They also discussed the regional and international developments and efforts made in their regard.

The talks focused on strengthening the two countries’ economic partnership in light of the Kingdom’s 2030 vision.

Likewise, intensifying cooperation in the political and economic fields, bilateral coordination in regional and international issues of mutual interest, and supporting all efforts to strengthen international peace and security also came up.

Expanding bilateral ties:

Minister Genchovska emphasized that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of Bulgaria’s most significant Middle Eastern allies.

She pointed out that it is in both states’ interests to extend the fields of economic cooperation between them, where there is some untapped potential, and to enhance trade.

In addition, both countries expressed the desire to expand their relationships in the energy sector, especially nuclear.

Genchovska emphasized that Bulgaria can provide decommissioning services and expertise in the sector of radioactive waste management. Bulgaria also has strong training traditions and programs for energy professionals.

According to Minister Genchovska, defense is another possible field of collaboration, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has already been asked to participate in the military exhibition Hemus 2022, which will be held in early June.

She also highlighted the field of Tourism during the meeting.

The Bulgarians evaluated the prospect of collaboration to overcome the impacts of the Ukrainian war, on Bulgaria’s attempts to diversify natural gas and oil sources, she added.

Mr. Khaled Fakih, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of Bulgaria, and Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Daoud, Director-General of His Highness the Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the meeting.