The European Union should be more committed to and more actively take part in the efforts to restore stability in the Middle East. What is needed to this end is support for the programs directed at strengthening the security, economy and improving the social, education and healthcare system in the countries from the region, so that the young people can take part in resolving the challenges in their countries. This is what President Rumen Radev said at a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration of Lebanon Gibran Bassil, who is paying an official visit to Bulgaria.
The Bulgarian Head of State hailed the formation of the new national unity government of Lebanon and voiced his support for the country’s efforts in strengthening security and promoting economic growth not only in Lebanon, but also in the region. In Rumen Radev’s words, Lebanon sets a positive example of religious and ethnic tolerance in the Middle East.
Rumen Radev was adamant that the migration crisis is a challenge for the whole of Europe and the EU should not be a passive observer of the processes in the Middle East, but actively encourage via the policies it pursues seeking efficient solutions to coping with the reasons for the migration flows. The President voiced the stance that Lebanon is among the countries most seriously affected by the refugee and migration processes in the region and the international community should actively support it in coping with this problem.
What was also discussed at the meeting was the forthcoming official visit of the Bulgarian Head of State in Lebanon at the invitation of his counterpart Michel Aoun, together with a big business delegation to ensure a further deepening of the bilateral economic ties, mutual investments and tourism.