Mariya Gabriel: Sustainable solutions for peace require united efforts between partners
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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel attended the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels. The discussion focused on the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.
Mariya Gabriel underlined Bulgaria's continued support for Ukraine and congratulated the country on the historic decision of the European Union to start accession negotiations.
‘Today, we again send a message of united efforts and solidarity with Ukraine. The EU's comprehensive support for Ukraine must continue for as long as necessary. Bulgaria supports President Zelensky's ‘Peace Formula’ and will seek to contribute to its accession by other countries of the world,’ the Deputy Prime Minister said.
She focused on Bulgaria's role as a factor for stability in the Black Sea region and informed about the joint initiative of Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey to eliminate the threat of mines in the territorial waters of the three countries and their exclusive economic zones.
The meeting also focused on the situation in the Middle East. Participating in the discussions were Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt Sameh Shoukry, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Ayman Al Safadi, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Palestinian Authority Riyad al-Maliki and Secretary General of the League of Arab States Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
‘Today's discussion is important because it aims to find a sustainable solution to the situation in the Middle East together with our partners from the region. We have not forgotten October 7. Hopefully all the hostages will be released soon. We are concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the risk of regional spillover of the conflict. Access to humanitarian aid and the protection of all civilians, especially children, must be a priority,’ the Deputy Prime Minister said.
‘Bulgaria supports a two-state solution. It is important to have an agreement that guarantees the security of both parties. Bulgaria will support efforts aimed at providing a political horizon for finding such a solution’.
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