The partnership between Bulgaria and the United Kingdom becomes strategic - 24.10.2023
24 October 2023 News
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Gabriel and James Cleverley, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development signed today a Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Bulgaria and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The official ceremony took place in London.
"Today is a very important day in the bilateral relations between Bulgaria and the United Kingdom. The signing of the declaration elevates the partnership between Bulgaria and the United Kingdom to a new strategic level and benefits the citizens of both countries. It is the result of our active work with our British partners over the past few months", said Maria Gabriel.
The joint declaration embodies the strong ambition of the two countries for even stronger cooperation in a number of key areas - foreign, security and defence policy; justice and home affairs; bilateral economic and trade cooperation; technology, science, health, education, culture and environment.
Maria Gabriel specifically stressed the importance of research, innovation and education. They are identified as a key area of strategic partnership. For example, joint work could be sought to be intensified under the Horizon Europe programme.
Bulgaria and the UK will also work to increase academic mobility. One of the objectives is the mutual recognition of national documents certifying completed levels of school and higher education.
Maria Gabriel also stressed that "every effort will be made to effectively implement the priorities stated in the document". The annual dialogue between the foreign ministries of the two countries will play an important role in this respect.