Presidents Rumen Radev and Michel Aoun discussed the prospects for improving the bilateral connectivity, economic ties and tourism
Bulgaria highly appreciates Lebanon’s efforts in creating a balance, in ensuring constructive relations, dialogue and seeking a peaceful solution of the problems in the Middle East region. This is what Head of State Rumen Radev said in Beirut at a joint news conference with his Lebanese counterpart Michel Aoun, at the invitation of whom the Bulgarian President is on an official visit to the Lebanese Republic. In the Arab country the President is accompanied by a business delegation and representatives of the executive branch of power and the scholarly circles.
The two Heads of State were unanimous that the migration crisis is essential for the security not only of the countries in the region, but also of Europe. “Bulgaria will continue to be part of the EU’s efforts to offer the respective financial aid and support for Lebanon and is aware of what challenge for the social systems in the country are the enormous number of migrants,” Rumen Radev said and emphasized that Europe must be more actively committed to the problems not only of the countries of origin of the migrants, but also of the transit countries. “Although the financial aid is essential, it is not sufficient, the EU must be more committed to guaranteeing the security and stability in the region, so that the investments in economy, education and healthcare can be maximally efficient,” Rumen Radev said. He added that the Syrian refugees should return back to their homes. However, a stable environment should be ensured for this process.
Bulgaria and Lebanon enjoy a good cooperation in the sphere of security and will continue to exchange information and be partners in fighting terrorism, radicalism, illegal migration, Rumen Radev emphasized.
Rumen Radev and Michel Aoun identified the friendly relations between the two countries and the historical ties as a good basis for strengthening the bilateral partnership in economy, science and education. For Bulgaria Lebanon is a door to the Middle East – a region where direct presence is not always possible and Bulgaria may be a bridge for the Lebanese Republic to the European markets, Rumen Radev said. The President noted that there is a potential for the growth of trade between the two countries, which reached 175 million US$ in the past year.
We are continuing to work to ensure greater transport connectivity, because our relations are promising, since the young people and business circles can communicate more frequently and more freely, the Bulgarian Head of State said. Rumen Radev and Michel Aoun stressed the necessity of opening a direct air line between Bulgaria and Lebanon, as the most efficient measure to promote tourism and the economic and cultural exchange.
The Bulgarian Head of State called for mutual investments and joint productions between the two states and gave as an example the successful Lebanese investments in Bulgaria. “Bulgaria can be very useful in a lot of infrastructure projects, which are yet to be implemented in Lebanon,” Rumen Radev said and highlighted the proven experience of Bulgarian companies in the Arab republic in the sphere of construction, hydro-technological facilities, energy. The two Presidents stressed the traditionally good ties between the two countries also in education, culture, tourism.
The visit started with a ceremony of welcoming Rumen Radev and his wife Desislava Radeva in the presidential palace. The Heads of State of Bulgaria and Lebanon held a tete-a-tete meeting after which the plenary talks between the two official delegations were held.