NEWS

Rumen Radev: Bulgaria and Jordan Are Developing Fruitful Cooperation in Strategic Areas, Based on Mutual Trust and Pragmatic Spirit

Bulgaria supports Jordan's efforts to end the bloodshed and destruction in Gaza and find a peaceful solution through diplomacy, the head of state said at a meeting in Sofia with H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan

Bulgaria and Jordan are long-standing partners, developing fruitful and expanding cooperation in key areas and strategic spheres for both countries, based on mutual respect, trust, constructive and pragmatic spirit. This was stated by Head of State Rumen Radev at a meeting at the presidential institution with His Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, who is on an official visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of the Bulgarian President.

Rumen Radev stressed that Bulgaria and Jordan recently celebrated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and the official visit of King Abdullah II provides opportunities for their subsequent deepening. According to the President, Jordan plays a leading role in the Arab world and is a recognized factor of stability in the Middle East region, while Bulgaria, as a member of the EU and NATO, is making active efforts to strengthen trust, cooperation and good neighbourliness in the Balkans and in Europe. The responsibility of our two countries for the security problems in these two key regions makes us very close and allows us to work together and seek common solutions not only at the bilateral level, but also within the framework of all international organisations and initiatives, the head of state pointed out.

Rumen Radev expressed Bulgaria's support for Jordan, as well as for the personal efforts of King Abdullah II, to end the bloodshed and destruction in the Gaza Strip, to overcome the severe humanitarian crisis and to find a peaceful solution through diplomacy. The Bulgarian head of state stressed that our country remains categorical in its position that the solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on two states is the only way to achieve sustainable and lasting peace in the region.

We view Bulgaria as a pillar of strength in the region, but also as a wise voice in NATO and the European Union, King Abdullah II emphasised, highlighting the importance of the partnership between Jordan and Bulgaria for cooperation between the Middle East and Europe and for addressing common challenges. King Abdullah II also pointed to the importance of the upcoming meeting in Sofia within the framework of the "Aqaba Process" with a focus on the Balkans.

The prospects for further deepening economic cooperation between Bulgaria and Jordan in areas of mutual interest, the promotion of business ties between the two countries, cooperation in the fields of defence and security, education, culture and tourism, were also among the topics of the meeting.

The Bulgarian head of state welcomed H.M. King Abdullah II with an official ceremony at St. Alexander Nevsky Square. The two heads of state held a one-on-one meeting and chaired the plenary talks between the official delegations of Bulgaria and Jordan.

Tomorrow, President Rumen Radev and H.M. King Abdullah II will host in Sofia the high-level meeting “Aqaba Process for the Balkans III”. The “Aqaba Process” is a series of international meetings, first initiated by H.M. King Abdullah II in 2015. Their goal is to maintain international and regional coordination and cooperation in the fight against terrorism, extremist ideologies and radicalisation through a comprehensive approach.