site.btaPresident Radev Arrives in Abu Dhabi for Two-day Official Visit to UAE

President Rumen Radev and his delegation arrived in Abu Dhabi for a two-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which will take place on September 1 and 2.

The Bulgarian head of State was greeted by a guard of honour and welcomed by Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, UAE Minister of State, who also coordinates bilateral relations with Bulgaria. The two conferred in one of the lounges of the Presidential Terminal at the airport, in the presence of members of the official delegation.

"Bulgaria aspires to a much more active bilateral dialogue with the United Arab Emirates which would produce tangible results in the energy sector, high technologies, innovations, transport and other areas of shared interest," Radev said upon arrival.

In the course of the visit, bilateral documents in a variety of sectors will be signed in the presence of the two heads of state. A business forum, organized by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will be held with the participation of Bulgarian companies. 

The visit is expected to focus on furthering bilateral political dialogue at top level, bilateral cooperation in energy and economy, the opportunities for investment in Bulgaria and joint projects with the participation of Bulgarian companies, as well as updating bilateral agreements. 

The official delegation accompanying Radev includes caretaker Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Policy and Transport and Communications Minister Hristo Aleksiev, Foreign Minister Nikolay Milkov, Economy and Industry Minister Nikola Stoyanov, Innovation and Growth Minister Alexander Pulev, and business representatives. 

A Memorandum on Strategic Partnership between Bulgaria and UAE will be signed in the presence of the two presidents. The aim of the agreement is to promote the development of cooperation in a wide range of areas, including economy, trade, investment, tourism, education, digital technologies and artificial intelligence, culture, youth and sports

The Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi will also host the signing of bilateral documents of understanding in the spheres of tourism and agriculture, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding for exchange of news and cooperation between the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) and the Emirates News Agency (WAM). The two countries are also working to reach an Investment Promotion and Mutual Protection Agreement between the governments of Bulgaria and the UAE. 

President Radev will open a business forum in Abu Dhabi attended by representatives of companies from both countries in the field of high-tech manufacturing and innovation, transport, information and communication technologies, energy and defence industry.