site.btaUPDATED Presidents of Bulgaria, Iran Discuss Bilateral Cooperation

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, that Bulgaria is eager to develop its bilateral partnership with Iran in the fields of economy, trade, energy and transport. Radev and Pezeshkian met within the framework of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly.

Radev praised the intention of Iran's new leadership to deepen its dialogue with the EU Member States and expressed hope that this would lead to strengthening of trust, development of cooperation in areas of mutual interest, as well as finding mutually acceptable solutions on sensitive issues such as the Iran's nuclear programme.

The Bulgarian head of State noted the fruitful partnership that the two countries used to have in the recent past. He called for joint efforts to restore that partnership and build upon it.

Pezeshkian noted that cooperation between Iran and Bulgaria was built on the experience of 125 years of bilateral relations.

On the prospects for Iran's relations with the EU, the two leaders agreed that seeking and reaching solutions on issues can only be done through a genuine dialogue based on mutual respect, ensuring security and human dignity, which are the founding principles of the UN.

Radev also noted the possibility of Iran using its influence to contribute to a more stable Middle East.

The Bulgarian President asked his Iranian counterpart for support in the negotiations for the release of the captain and co-captain of the Galaxy Leader ship, taken hostage by the Houthis off the coast of Yemen in November 2023. He also raised the issue of Iran's assistance in the release of the Hamas hostages captured on October 7, 2023. 

Pezeshkian expressed hope that the dialogue between Iran and Bulgaria at the highest level will continue to outline common perspectives and possible pragmatic solutions to the challenges at hand. He invited Radev to visit Iran.

Commenting on the meeting with Pezershkian, Radev told journalists that his Iranian counterpart had committed to assist with all means available for the release of the Bulgarian hostages on the Galaxy Leader. However, that is a difficult and delicate topic, Radev added. "Bulgaria is working actively not only with Iran but also with all state and government leaders with whom we talked on the sidelines of the General Assembly," the Bulgarian President noted. In his words, the matter is high on the agenda and, hopefully, will soon bear positive results.

Radev is the head of the Bulgarian delegation at the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, which is taking place between September 24 and 30.