The Minister of Foreign Affairs Svetlan Stoev had a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
28 September 2021 News
Foreign Minister Svetlan Stoev had a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, congratulating him on his recent appointment. The two also discussed the constructive relations between the two countries, the situation in Afghanistan, as well as the possibilities for jointly overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic.
Svetlan Stoev stressed the traditionally friendly relations, as well as the active dialogue between Bulgaria and Iran, citing the holding of regular political consultations at the level of Deputy Foreign Ministers and the Joint Bulgarian-Iranian Commission for Economic and Scientific Cooperation.
"In 2022, we will mark the 125th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, which proves the existence of deep bilateral ties. I believe that Bulgaria and Iran will continue to develop our traditionally friendly and constructive relations, in which the Ministries of Foreign Affairs play a key role," said Svetlan Stoev. For his part, Minister Abdollahian also confirmed Iran's readiness to deepen bilateral ties with Bulgaria.
The two sides discussed the establishment of a direct Sofia-Tehran flight, which will help increase tourist flows from Iran. Mutual invitations for visits at the level of foreign ministers were also issued.
Regarding COVID-19, the Bulgarian side noted the great efforts of Iran to fight the pandemic. Bulgaria's readiness to supply vaccines to Iran was expressed.
Among the topics of conversation was the situation in Afghanistan. Minister Stoev noted with concern that it is necessary to make efforts to support the rapid stabilization of the country politically and economically, as well as to prevent new waves of refugees and terrorist threats. He pointed out that Bulgaria plays an active role in creating a European regional platform in support of neighboring countries affected by migratory pressures, including Iran. Our first diplomat thanked Iran for its readiness to assist through the Consulate General in Herat in issuing, if necessary, Iranian visas for citizens of European countries, including Bulgaria, and providing a safe route for evacuation.