site.btaBulgarian, Saudi Foreign Ministers Talk on the Phone

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev Thursday talked on the telephone with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the Foreign Ministry said. This was the first official contact between them since Georgiev took office on January 16.

The two affirmed their countries' efforts to deepen political dialogue at high and top level with a view to the upward development of bilateral relations and the tapping of the significant potential for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Georgiev stressed that Bulgaria views Saudi Arabia as one of its most promising partners in the Middle East. The two chief diplomats discussed cooperation in a number of key areas. In this context, the importance of the upcoming first meeting of the Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation between Bulgaria and Saudi Arabia was highlighted, as it will provide a platform to define the priorities for future cooperation. Georgiev also confirmed Bulgaria's readiness to host the second round of political consultations between the two foreign ministries in Sofia.

The sides discussed the role of Saudi Arabia as a key factor of stability in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East. Georgiev emphasized Bulgaria's high appreciation for Riyadh's efforts in this regard and Bulgaria's commitment to support international initiatives for sustainable peace and security in the region.

In conclusion, the two ministers agreed to maintain an active political dialogue and interaction so as to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They exchanged invitations for visits to Sofia and Riyadh.