Velislava Petrova Begins New York Programme with Intensive Political Dialogue and Focus on Security and Connectivity
21 September 2026 News
A series of bilateral meetings and participation in key international formats marked the first day of Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova’s programme in New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Minister Petrova held talks with the foreign ministers of Algeria, Ahmed Attaf; Georgia, Maka Botchorishvili; and Chile, Francisco Pérez Mackenna, as well as with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi.
The meetings focused on bilateral relations, political and economic dialogue, and opportunities for closer cooperation.
In the discussions with the representatives of Georgia and Qatar, particular attention was paid to preparations for the Regional Connectivity Summit, which Bulgaria will host in 2027, as well as to opportunities to develop more secure and diversified transport, energy and economic links between Europe, the Black Sea region, the South Caucasus, the Middle East and Asia.
Minister Petrova also held a meeting with Sima Sami Bahous, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women. Bulgaria reaffirmed its support for the organisation to operate effectively, transparently and with a focus on results, as well as for the full participation of women in public and political life.
During the day, the Minister also met with global business leaders at a forum organised by the World Economic Forum. Velislava Petrova also participated in the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in New York, which was also attended by the foreign ministers of Australia, Japan, India and South Korea. The discussions focused on international security, the resilience of global supply chains and the need for stronger international cooperation amid growing geopolitical fragmentation.
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