Bulgaria has an interest in diversification of the energy sources and also in the opportunity to import and transit natural gas from the newly-discovered deposits in the eastern Mediterranean Sea towards our region and Europe. This is what President Rumen Radev said at the beginning of his meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of the State of Israel.
The President again called for more pragmatism in the bilateral relations and identified the historically established friendly ties between the two peoples as an invaluable capital that should be developed. The Head of State said that the trade worth 150 million dollars does not reflect Bulgaria’s and Israel’s economic potential and the opportunities created by the active political dialogue.
At the meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Rumen Radev emphasized our country’s interest in implementing Israel’s experience in the spheres of IT, cybersecurity, science and education. Rumen Radev gave as an example the Gav Yam Negev technological park, which the Bulgarian delegation visited and which creates new economic opportunities for a whole region in the country. I understood that you are one of the initiators of the establishment of this center and I highly appreciate your vision for the future, Radev addressed the Israeli Prime Minister.
Rumen Radev noted the good cooperation between Bulgaria and Israel in fighting terrorism and extended gratitude for the support Bulgaria received from Israel after the terror act in Sarafovo in 2012. The current tense situation in the world requires a further close cooperation between our two security services and a further development of the established good relations in the sphere of defense, the President said.
Israel has special relations with Bulgaria – past, present and future, Prime Minister Netanyahu said for his part. He said that Israel will never forget how the Bulgarians defended their Jews 75 years ago. In Netanyahu’s words, what happened then is evidence of the Bulgarian people’s humanity and morality. The Prime Minister said that the excellent bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Israel may be strengthened and developed in many sectors. Benjamin Netanyahu noted that the development of technologies is essential and voiced readiness for cooperation in this area.
In Jerusalem the Head of State had a working meeting with Robert Singer, CEO of the World Jewish Congress, which was attended by many politicians, public figures and representatives of the diplomatic corps in Israel. At the meeting gratitude was once again extended to Bulgaria for rescuing the Jewish community during World War II. The Middle East crisis, fighting terrorism and other topics were also discussed.
Later President Radev will visit the church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Wailing Wall in the old city of Jerusalem, which will mark the end of his official visit to the State of Israel.