site.btaForeign Minister Gabriel Meets American Jewish Committee Representatives in LA

Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel met with representatives of the American Jewish Committee and leading Jewish organizations in Los Angeles, the Foreign Ministry said. The meeting was held within the context of the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and the US and the 80th anniversary of the rescue of Bulgarian Jews during World War II.

The Hamas terrorist attack on Israel was high on the agenda. Gabriel said: "Bulgaria condemns in the strongest terms Hamas's terror attacks on Israel. We stand in solidarity with the Israeli people. The civilians taken hostage must be released immediately and unconditionally. We support all those whose actions are guided by the will to end violence. Our approach is based on the preservation of democratic values and fundamental principles, including the fight against antisemitism."

Gabriel presented Bulgaria's efforts to combat antisemitism and the steps taken to implement the country's commitments as a full member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.

The Deputy Prime Minister talked about Bulgaria's first National Action Plan to Combat Antisemitism (2023-2027). The Plan was elaborated in line with the EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life (2021-2030). A report on the implementation of the Plan's activities will be submitted every year.

The discussion also focused on new technologies and Bulgaria's transformation into a regional innovation hub. The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that "Bulgaria can be a factor of stability in Southeastern Europe and a reliable NATO security partner in the Black Sea Region".

The renewal of Bulgaria's strategic dialogue with the US and the goals set to combat disinformation were also discussed.