site.btaOmani Foreign Minister Albusaidi Presented with Bulgarian Foreign Ministry's Highest Honour

Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev has presented the Golden Laurel Branch Badge of Honour to his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday. The Ministry's highest honour was presented in gratitude and appreciation of the dedicated consistent efforts of the Sultanate of Oman towards the successful resolution of the case of the crew of the vessel Galaxy Leader.

The Ministry noted that, in the context of Bulgaria's targeted and consistent efforts to resolve the case of its two citizens detained aboard the Galaxy Leader, Georgiev paid a working visit to the Sultanate of Oman on January 22-23 and met with his counterpart.

During the discussion, Georgiev said the Bulgarian state leadership praised highly Oman's fundamental contribution to the release of the Galaxy Leader crew. The altruistic nature and strong humanitarian motivation of Oman's diplomatic role were highlighted. Georgiev stressed the strong political will for the further upward development of bilateral relations in various areas of mutual interest.

Foreign Minister Georgiev delivered a written message from Bulgarian President Rumen Radev to Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, which included an invitation for an official state visit to Bulgaria.

The conversation also provided an opportunity to discuss a wide range of matters on the regional and international agenda, the Foreign Ministry said. A particular focus was placed on opportunities to expand political dialogue and deepen cooperation between Bulgaria and Oman. The discussion covered key areas of shared interest, including energy, tourism, trade and economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.

Georgiev reiterated Sofia's invitation to Albusaidi to pay an official visit.

Georgiev's working visit to Oman and the discussions with its Foreign Minister and other officials directly involved in resolving the case underscored once again the importance of active dialogue and mutual trust. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in support of regional stability and in the interest of a sustainable future development of bilateral relations.

Two Bulgarian crew members of the hijacked vessel, who were released by Yemen's Houthis on Wednesday after spending 14 months in captivity, returned home on Thursday.