Mariya Gabriel: Solidarity in hard times is most valuable
31 October 2023 News
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel met with representatives of the American Jewish Committee and leading Jewish organisations in Los Angeles. The meeting was held in the context of the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and the United States and the 80th anniversary of the rescue of Bulgarian Jews during World War II.
One of the main topics of conversation was the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. “Bulgaria condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks of Hamas in Israel. We stand in solidarity with the Israeli people at this time. The civilians taken hostage must be released immediately and unconditionally. We support all those who are guided in their actions by the will to end violence. At the core of our approach is the preservation of democratic values and fundamental principles, including the fight against anti-Semitism, “ the Deputy Prime Minister stressed.
Mariya Gabriel presented Bulgaria's efforts to fight anti-Semitism and the actions taken to implement our national commitments as a full member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.
The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the adoption of the first National Plan to Combat Anti-Semitism in Bulgaria. The National Plan has been developed in line with the European Commission's Strategy to Combat Anti-Semitism and Promote the Jewish Way of Life (2021-2030). A report on the implementation of the activities set out in the programme is to be submitted each year.
The discussion also focused on topics such as new technologies and Bulgaria's transformation into a regional innovation hub. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised that "Bulgaria can be a factor for stability in the region of South-Eastern Europe and a reliable partner of NATO for security in the Black Sea region".
The renewal of Bulgaria's strategic dialogue with the US and the goals set to fight disinformation were also among the topics discussed.