Министерството на Външните Работи на Република България поема грижа за провеждането на Българската външна политика. Предоставя услуги за граждани, живеещи или пътуващи извън пределите на Републиката https://mfa.bg/en/ Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:40:46 +0300 en hourly 1 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47753 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47753 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:27:32 +0300 On 17-18 April, the European Culture Street 2026 took place in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, under the motto “One Street, Many Stories”. The event was organized by the Delegation of the European Union to China, the EU Member States, and the governments of Zhejiang Province and Hangzhou. On 17-18 April, the European Culture Street 2026 took place in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, under the motto “One Street, Many Stories”. The event was organized by the Delegation of the European Union to China, the EU Member States, and the governments of Zhejiang Province and Hangzhou. The intensive program of the two-day event included a press conference by the EU Delegation for Chinese media; a group meeting between Mr. Liu Fei, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee and CPC Secretary of Hangzhou, and the representatives of EU Member States, attended by Consul General Vladislav Spasov; the official opening of the event was marked with speeches by the member of the Leading Group of the Foreign Affairs Office of Zhejiang Province Mr. Xing Huidong, the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to China Matthias Lenz and the Ambassador of Cyprus to China Mrs. Koula Sophianou. Bulgaria participated in the cultural program with performances by Ms. Diane Gallardo de Tzanev (vocals) and the pianist Vladimir Tzanev. The exhibition of Bulgarian wines and cosmetic products with rose oil was organized at the pavilion presenting the EU-China Agreement on Geographical Indications by the Trade and Economic Consul Ms. Ivet Nikolova. Bulgaria tourism opportunities were presented at the Bulgarian stand together with cosmetic products with rose oil, yogurt with Bulgarian starter culture, food supplements, etc. Approximately 28 000 Chinese citizens visited the European Street of Culture 2026 in Hangzhou. https://mfa.bg/en/news/47717 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47717 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:11:05 +0300 UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Sima Sami Bahous, expressed appreciation for Bulgaria’s consistent support for gender equality and the empowerment of women, including its active role on the UN Women Executive Board, as well as its overall support for the Organization. UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Sima Sami Bahous, expressed appreciation for Bulgaria’s consistent support for gender equality and the empowerment of women, including its active role on the UN Women Executive Board, as well as its overall support for the Organization. During the meeting, Ambassador Gergana Karadjova and Executive Director Bahous also discussed the outcomes of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, the UN80 process, and the future development of UN Women within the United Nations system. https://mfa.bg/en/news/47709 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47709 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:05:41 +0300 On April 9, 2026, representatives of the Bulgarian Embassy in Baku participated in the official award ceremony for the winners of the 8th International Children's Drawing Competition in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The event was organized by the Youth Development Center at Baku School No. 3 with the support of the State Agency for Preschool and Primary Education and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Azerbaijan. On April 9, 2026, representatives of the Bulgarian Embassy in Baku participated in the official award ceremony for the winners of the 8th International Children's Drawing Competition in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The event was organized by the Youth Development Center at Baku School No. 3 with the support of the State Agency for Preschool and Primary Education and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Azerbaijan. A total of 2 792 drawings from 348 schools participated in the 8th International Children's Drawing Competition. The countries that took part in the competition were Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Latvia, Jordan, Romania, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. A total of 760 drawings were received from Bulgaria, sent by various schools and kindergartens from all over the country. Three of our participants were awarded medals and certificates for 1st place in the competition, 11 of the participants received certificates for 2nd place, and 18 children received certificates for 3rd place. https://mfa.bg/en/news/47702 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47702 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:09:01 +0300 During the plenary negotiations on the reform of the UN Security Council’s membership, Ambassador Karadjova underscored the need to address the long-standing imbalances in the representation of UN regional groups. In this context, she called for allocating at least one additional non-permanent seat to the Eastern European Regional Group in any future enlarged Council. Ambassador Karadjova further emphasized that the reform must also enhance the efficiency and accountability of the Security Council’s work. In that regard, she reaffirmed Bulgaria’s support for initiatives such as the implementation of Article 27.3 of the UN Charter, as well as initiatives as the ACT Group Code of Conduct, and the French-Mexican initiative aimed at curbing the use of the veto in situations involving crimes against humanity and other mass atrocities.   https://mfa.bg/en/news/47700 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47700 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:54:56 +0300 Ambassador Gergana Karadjova participated in the session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development. Ambassador Gergana Karadjova participated in the session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development. “It is essential to ensure that technology and innovation contribute to inclusion, resilience, and sustainable development, rather than deepen inequalities and divides. Addressing these challenges requires strengthened international cooperation and inclusive partnerships. Equally important is the empowerment of all women and girls, as well as those at risk of exclusion, so that we can bridge the gender digital divide alongside other inequalities and leave no one behind,” Ambassador Karadjova emphasized. The Permanent Representative of Bulgaria highlighted research as a tool offering significant opportunities to accelerate progress. “Digital tools can expand access to services, improve the availability and quality of data, and support more effective and forward-looking policymaking. At the same time, technological progress must be accompanied by strong safeguards. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, must respect human rights, protect personal data, and address risks such as misinformation, discrimination, and technology-facilitated gender-based violence,” Ambassador Gergana Karadjova further noted. “Every individual must be empowered to have full control over their sexuality and to make free and responsible decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health, free from discrimination, coercion, and violence. This is particularly important to ensure that girls and young women can remain in school, acquire knowledge, and develop the skills necessary to become active and responsible members of their communities,” the Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the United Nations added. In concluding her remarks, Ambassador Karadjova noted that, at the national level, Bulgaria is addressing demographic challenges through integrated, forward-looking policies. The National Concept for Regional and Spatial Development 2026–2040 provides a strategic framework linking population dynamics with technological development and innovation. The Concept promotes digital transformation as a key driver of territorial cohesion, particularly by improving access to services in rural areas through e-health and digital public services, while also supporting innovation, regional partnerships, and human capital development. https://mfa.bg/en/news/47697 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47697 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:17:58 +0300 UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Sima Sami Bahous, expressed appreciation for Bulgaria’s consistent support for gender equality and the empowerment of women, including its active role on the UN Women Executive Board, as well as its overall support for the Organization. UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Sima Sami Bahous, expressed appreciation for Bulgaria’s consistent support for gender equality and the empowerment of women, including its active role on the UN Women Executive Board, as well as its overall support for the Organization. During the meeting, Ambassador Gergana Karadjova and Executive Director Bahous also discussed the outcomes of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, the UN80 process, and the future development of UN Women within the United Nations system. https://mfa.bg/en/news/47683 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47683 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:50:56 +0300 On 8 April 2026, a meeting was held in the Kurdistan Region of the Republic of Iraq between Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, Head of the Office for Foreign Relations of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, and Valentin Nikolov, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Baghdad. On 8 April 2026, a meeting was held in the Kurdistan Region of the Republic of Iraq between Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, Head of the Office for Foreign Relations of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, and Valentin Nikolov, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Baghdad. During the meeting, the interlocutors discussed current political and security developments in the Republic of Iraq, as well as the broader regional context. They exchanged views on the importance of promoting dialogue and institutional coordination in order to strengthen stability and security in the country. The good level of bilateral relations was reaffirmed, with both sides expressing readiness to further develop cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Particular emphasis was placed on encouraging economic ties and expanding opportunities for trade and investment cooperation. https://mfa.bg/en/news/47678 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47678 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:44:42 +0300 The Consul General of Bulgaria in New York, Angel Angelov, took part in the 10th Annual Global Trade and Investment Forum of the Center for International Business Acceleration, held at the prestigious Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, part of the Ivy League. Bulgaria was strongly represented throughout the forum. Dr. Elena Yankova, Founder and President of the Center, served as the main organizer and one of the moderators. Ivo Konstantinov, Director of the U.S. Office of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria and former Commercial Representative at the Embassy of Bulgaria in Washington, D.C., participated as a panelist and made a substantive contribution to the discussions, drawing on his expertise in transnational business practices and the investment environment in Europe and Bulgaria. Emilia Kerestelieva, Head of the Commercial and Economic Office at the Consulate General in New York, also took part in the forum. The Consul General of Bulgaria in New York, Angel Angelov, took part in the 10th Annual Global Trade and Investment Forum of the Center for International Business Acceleration, held at the prestigious Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, part of the Ivy League. Bulgaria was strongly represented throughout the forum. Dr. Elena Yankova, Founder and President of the Center, served as the main organizer and one of the moderators. Ivo Konstantinov, Director of the U.S. Office of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria and former Commercial Representative at the Embassy of Bulgaria in Washington, D.C., participated as a panelist and made a substantive contribution to the discussions, drawing on his expertise in transnational business practices and the investment environment in Europe and Bulgaria. Emilia Kerestelieva, Head of the Commercial and Economic Office at the Consulate General in New York, also took part in the forum. Against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions, fragmentation of supply chains, and rapid technological change, the forum—marking the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Center for International Business Acceleration by Dr. Yankova—brought together leading representatives of the business community, academia, and the diplomatic corps to discuss how to sustain open, resilient, and forward-looking trade and investment frameworks. The exchanges across the panels—from multilateral approaches to trade resilience, through the restructuring of global supply chains, to the transformative role of artificial intelligence—highlighted both the challenges and the opportunities ahead. In this dynamic environment, countries such as Bulgaria can offer stability, strategic positioning, and a highly skilled workforce as part of the broader European economic ecosystem. https://mfa.bg/en/news/47731 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47731 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:43:48 +0300 On 9 April 2026, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister Radi Naydenov held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Republic of Bulgaria, H.E. Zurab Khamashuridze. On 9 April 2026, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister Radi Naydenov held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Republic of Bulgaria, H.E. Zurab Khamashuridze. The meeting focused on issues related to the activities of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) and Georgia’s chairmanship of the organisation during the first half of the current year. The invitation extended by the Georgian side for Bulgaria to participate in the forthcoming Meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials, to be held in Istanbul on 19 June this year, was also discussed. Bulgaria will take part in the meeting within the “Troika” format, in its capacity as previous Chair of BSEC (1 July – 31 December 2025). The two interlocutors aligned on common priorities within BSEC, including strengthening regional connectivity and support for the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (the so-called Middle Corridor), enhancing energy security, advancing the development of the Green Energy Corridor, and promoting progress in digitalisation. Deputy Minister Naydenov expressed satisfaction with Georgia’s accession to the joint declaration, initiated during the Bulgarian BSEC Chairmanship, which for the first time since the beginning of the war condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine within the BSEC framework. Deputy Minister Naydenov assured Ambassador Khamashuridze of Bulgaria’s firm support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders, as well as of Bulgaria’s support for the strong European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Georgian society. Ambassador Khamashuridze, for his part, affirmed that despite the challenges in relations with the European Union, his country has not altered its objective, and European integration remains a priority for Georgia. During the meeting, other issues on the bilateral agenda were also discussed, primarily in the field of economic cooperation and connectivity. The two sides also exchanged views on the security situation in the Black Sea region and the Middle East. https://mfa.bg/en/news/47730 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47730 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:42:49 +0300 On 9 April 2026, Minister Nadezhda Neynsky held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Bulgaria, H.E. Mr Chikahisa Sumi, on the occasion of his assumption of office. On 9 April 2026, Minister Nadezhda Neynsky held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Bulgaria, H.E. Mr Chikahisa Sumi, on the occasion of his assumption of office. The parties expressed high appreciation for the active bilateral dialogue and cooperation, elevated to the level of a “strategic partnership” in 2025. A shared ambition was emphasised to further develop cooperation in specific areas of mutual interest, with a focus on emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, connectivity, green energy and others. Minister Neynsky referred to the traditional closeness and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries as a basis for further enhancing and expanding bilateral dialogue. Shared concern was expressed regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine and new sources of escalation, with the interlocutors aligning their messages on strengthening effective bilateral and multilateral cooperation in a spirit of mutual understanding and in support of peace and security. https://mfa.bg/en/news/47670 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47670 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:43:43 +0300 The Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the UN, Ambassador Gergana Karadjova, participated in a meeting between the three co-chairs of the Group of Friends of Children and the SDGs - Bulgaria, Jamaica and Luxembourg - and UNICEF to discuss the Group’s future development and growth, review its calendar for the rest of 2026, and coordinate inputs into key UN processes, with a view to ensuring that the rights and interests of children are consistently prioritized. The Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the UN, Ambassador Gergana Karadjova, participated in a meeting between the three co-chairs of the Group of Friends of Children and the SDGs - Bulgaria, Jamaica and Luxembourg - and UNICEF to discuss the Group’s future development and growth, review its calendar for the rest of 2026, and coordinate inputs into key UN processes, with a view to ensuring that the rights and interests of children are consistently prioritized. https://mfa.bg/en/news/47672 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47672 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:45:03 +0300 Ambassador Gergana Karadjova hosted a group of 13 students from Wilkes University. The students from the Pennsylvania-based university are visiting New York to participate in this week’s Model United Nations. Model United Nations (MUN) is an educational simulation in which pupils or university students assume the roles of diplomats, discussing global issues within a simulated United Nations General Assembly or committee. The simulation fosters skills in public speaking, research, negotiation, and diplomacy. Participants represent countries, examining topics such as climate change, human rights, and international security in order to draft and adopt resolutions. In this year’s edition of the simulation, the students from Pennsylvania are representing Bulgaria during their week-long participation in Model United Nations. Ambassador Gergana Karadjova hosted a group of 13 students from Wilkes University. The students from the Pennsylvania-based university are visiting New York to participate in this week’s Model United Nations. Model United Nations (MUN) is an educational simulation in which pupils or university students assume the roles of diplomats, discussing global issues within a simulated United Nations General Assembly or committee. The simulation fosters skills in public speaking, research, negotiation, and diplomacy. Participants represent countries, examining topics such as climate change, human rights, and international security in order to draft and adopt resolutions. In this year’s edition of the simulation, the students from Pennsylvania are representing Bulgaria during their week-long participation in Model United Nations. During the meeting, Ambassador Gergana Karadjova acquainted the guests at the Permanent Mission of Bulgaria in New York with Bulgaria’s priorities at the United Nations, as well as with the work of the Organization and the differences in the functioning of its various committees. The Permanent Representative of Bulgaria responded to a number of questions raised by the students concerning Bulgaria’s foreign policy, international security, counter-terrorism efforts, and bilateral cooperation between Bulgaria and the Member States of the European Union. The students were also briefed on the procedure for the election of a new United Nations Secretary-General, as well as on the role of high technologies and artificial intelligence in the work of the Organization. https://mfa.bg/en/news/47643 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47643 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:23:23 +0300 Ambassador Karadjova confirmed the commitment of Bulgaria to the UN Charter and reaspect for international law during her meeting with Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, United Nations Under Secretary-General on Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. The two interlocutors discussed the positions of Member States and UN's in relation to the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflicts in the Middle East and Iran. They also agreed on the importance of the security and stability of the Western Balkans countries and the prospects of their Europe integration as part of the regional stability and prosperity. Ambassador Karadjova confirmed the commitment of Bulgaria to the UN Charter and reaspect for international law during her meeting with Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, United Nations Under Secretary-General on Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. The two interlocutors discussed the positions of Member States and UN's in relation to the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflicts in the Middle East and Iran. They also agreed on the importance of the security and stability of the Western Balkans countries and the prospects of their Europe integration as part of the regional stability and prosperity. https://mfa.bg/en/news/47646 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47646 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:04:36 +0300 Ambassador Gergana Karadjova welcomed Bulgarian students from the Faculty of Law of the Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv at the United Nations Headquarters Ambassador Gergana Karadjova welcomed Bulgarian students from the Faculty of Law of the Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv at the United Nations Headquarters. “Congratulations on your outstanding achievement and the efforts you have made. We are all proud of you! Continue moving forward with new knowledge and determination,” Ambassador Karadjova addressed the students in connection with their ranking of 39th place out of a total of 800 teams participating in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. The competition, held in Washington, D.C., is the largest and most prestigious international law moot court competition in the world. It represents a simulation of proceedings before the International Court of Justice of the United Nations, and students from over 90 countries took part. It is organized by the International Law Students Association (ILSA). During the simulation, participants prepare written memorials and deliver oral pleadings on a hypothetical case addressing current issues of public international law. During the meeting, Ambassador Karadjova responded to a number of questions raised by the students regarding the work of the United Nations and Bulgaria’s priorities within the organization. The Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the UN encouraged the students to uphold the rule of law in their actions and ethics in their decisions, and to move forward with pride and continually acquire new knowledge throughout their legal careers. https://mfa.bg/en/news/47729 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47729 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:41:28 +0300 On 8 April 2026, Deputy Minister Radi Naydenov held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Ms Dai Qingli. On 8 April 2026, Deputy Minister Radi Naydenov held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Ms Dai Qingli. During the discussion, the development of the traditionally strong bilateral relations, elevated to the level of a strategic partnership in 2019, was reviewed. High appreciation was expressed for the active high-level political dialogue in recent years. Particular attention was paid to efforts to balance trade, including the acceleration of procedures for the import of Bulgarian agricultural and food products into China. Promising areas for cooperation in the fields of culture, education, science, trade and investment were highlighted. The two interlocutors reviewed high-level visits conducted over the past year and expressed their hope that the dialogue would continue in the future and lead to more concrete practical results in bilateral cooperation. The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine, aligning their messages in support of de-escalation, dialogue and peace.   https://mfa.bg/en/news/47728 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47728 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:40:47 +0300 Today, 6 April, the Director General for Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Petko Doykov, held talks with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Bulgaria, H.E. Ali Reza Irvash, within the framework of the regular bilateral dialogue. During the meeting, the Iranian Ambassador once again raised the issue of the purpose of the American aircraft stationed at Vasil Levski Airport. Ambassador Doykov reaffirmed that the Republic of Bulgaria is not participating in the war; the aircraft are not used for combat operations; and no combat aircraft involved in hostilitie Today, 6 April, the Director General for Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Petko Doykov, held talks with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Bulgaria, H.E. Ali Reza Irvash, within the framework of the regular bilateral dialogue. During the meeting, the Iranian Ambassador once again raised the issue of the purpose of the American aircraft stationed at Vasil Levski Airport. Ambassador Doykov reaffirmed that the Republic of Bulgaria is not participating in the war; the aircraft are not used for combat operations; and no combat aircraft involved in hostilities either overfly or refuel in Bulgarian airspace. Bulgaria once again expressed its firm disagreement with the launching of strikes by Iran against the Gulf states and called on Iran to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides expressed a shared intention to keep communication channels open in the future. https://mfa.bg/en/news/47620 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47620 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:14:12 +0300 Ambassador Gergana Karadjova participates in the meeting of the Core Group in support of the Initiative for the Implementation of Art. 27.3 of the United Nations Charter with Annalena Baerbock, President of the General Assembly. Ambassador Gergana Karadjova participates in the meeting of the Core Group in support of the Initiative for the Implementation of Art. 27.3 of the United Nations Charter with Annalena Baerbock, President of the General Assembly. During meeting Ambassador Karadjova confirmed the support of Bulgaria for the Initiative and for the process of the empowerment of the General Assembly in the area of international peace and security and highlighted that the issue of the full and consistent implementation of the UN Charter is an issue of genuine and constant relevance. The Core group in support of the Initiative for the full implementation of Art 27.3 is comprising 14 States from all regional groups in the UN and had symbolically launched the Initiative on 27 March. https://mfa.bg/en/news/47608 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47608 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:13:14 +0300 On March 31, 2026, a courtesy meeting was held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia between the Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria, Nikola Nikolov, and the Minister of Internal Affairs, Arpine Sargsyan. On March 31, 2026, a courtesy meeting was held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia between the Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria, Nikola Nikolov, and the Minister of Internal Affairs, Arpine Sargsyan. The two sides reaffirmed their excellent bilateral relations and expressed their readiness to deepen cooperation in the field of internal affairs, including expert exchanges, training, and cooperation in emergencies, fire safety, border security, and other topics of mutual interest. https://mfa.bg/en/news/47664 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47664 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:47:04 +0300 On 3 April 2026, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs between Deputy Minister Radi Naydenov and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel His Excellency Mr Yossi Levi-Sfari During the discussions, the active political dialogue between the two countries and issues of bilateral relations were discussed, as well as cooperation in international organizations. On 3 April 2026, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs between Deputy Minister Radi Naydenov and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel His Excellency Mr Yossi Levi-Sfari During the discussions, the active political dialogue between the two countries and issues of bilateral relations were discussed, as well as cooperation in international organizations. Deputy Minister Radi Naydenov emphasized that there is a traditional closeness and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries, an unprecedented example of which is the rescue of more than 40,000 Bulgarian Jews in the Kingdom of Bulgaria under the extremely difficult conditions during the Second World War, which is a good example of tolerance, courage, and responsibility of civil society. The two interlocutors discussed the current developments in the Middle East and emphasized the importance of security and the preservation of democracy while overcoming the threats and risks in today's open world. Ambassador Levi-Sfari emphasized that his country approaches with understanding Bulgaria’s consistent and balanced policy. He thanked for the regular collegial dialogue between the Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and for the understanding shown towards the Israeli position. Ambassador Levi-Sfari also informed about his country’s relations with the EU. Assessing the good opportunities for cooperation in the field of multilateral policy and diplomacy, Deputy Minister Naydenov appealed for Israel’s support for Bulgaria’s candidacy for membership in the Council of the International Telecommunication Union - ITU (Region C) for the period 2027-2030, to which the guest expressed a positive attitude. For his part, Ambassador Levi-Sfari informed about upcoming bilateral projects in the scientific field, expressing special thanks for the good academic cooperation with the University of National and World Economy in Sofia. The parties agreed on the messages of continuing their fruitful bilateral and multilateral cooperation in a spirit of mutual understanding and in the interest of peace and security.   https://mfa.bg/en/news/47663 https://mfa.bg/en/news/47663 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:45:56 +0300 Today, 3 April 2026, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Radi Naydenov received copies of the letters of credence of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Bulgaria, Elmar Mammadov. Today, 3 April 2026, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Radi Naydenov received copies of the letters of credence of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Bulgaria, Elmar Mammadov. The two interlocutors discussed the development of bilateral relations, elevated in 2015 to the level of a strategic partnership and further strengthened by the Joint Declaration on strengthening the strategic partnership between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Azerbaijan, signed in 2024. High appreciation was expressed for the intensive political dialogue and the numerous bilateral visits and meetings at high and highest level in recent years. The mutual desire to maintain the established momentum in bilateral relations was reaffirmed. Special attention was paid to the fruitful cooperation in the field of energy and energy diversification, especially in light of the dynamically changing security environment at both regional and global levels. The mutual interest in the implementation of bilateral and multilateral projects was reaffirmed not only in the field of energy and the energy transition, but also in transport, digitalization, and people-to-people contacts in the context of connectivity. The role of the regularly held sessions of the Intergovernmental Bulgarian-Azerbaijani Commission for Economic Cooperation was also noted for the upward development of bilateral relations and business contacts between Bulgaria and Azerbaijan, including for the implementation of investments in specific projects in Bulgaria. During the meeting, other topical issues from the bilateral and international agenda were also discussed.