Mariya Gabriel: Pragmatism and a vision for the future are at the core of the relations between Bulgaria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
23 January 2024 News
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs H.M. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
‘Bulgaria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have traditionally good relations based on pragmatism and a vision for the future,’ the Deputy Prime Minister said. She emphasized Bulgaria's role as a factor for stability and security in Southeast Europe, as well as a significant regional, innovation, energy and transport hub. Topical geopolitical issues were also discussed, including the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. Mariya Gabriel thanked for the hospitality and for the shared vision for our future cooperation.
The Deputy Prime Minister also held bilateral meetings with the Minister of Energy H.K.M. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, the Chairperson of the Consultative Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Shura) H. E Dr. Abdullah ibn Muhammad Al ash-Sheikh, with the Minister of Investment H.E. Eng. Khalid A. Al-Falih.
The focus of the meetings was Bulgaria's transformation into a regional innovation hub and an attractive investment destination in energy, transport, digital infrastructure, green technologies and hydrogen. The desire for enhanced economic cooperation between the two countries and joint initiatives in the fields of new technologies, innovation, culture and tourism was underlined.
Mariya Gabriel congratulated Saudi Arabia for winning the hosting of the Expo 2030 World Expo and informed about a key initiative in her work — Brand Bulgaria. ‘These are initiatives giving our countries the opportunity to share their vision for the future’, the Deputy Prime Minister said.