site.btaForeign Minister Georgiev Holds Phone Conversation with Israeli Counterpart Gideon Sa'ar

Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev spoke by phone with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Gideon Sa'ar, the Foreign Ministry said.

The two ministers discussed the latest developments in the Middle East region, including the practical implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the release of all hostages. Minister Georgiev said Bulgaria welcomes with great relief and joy the news of the release of four Israeli hostages, including Bulgarian citizen Daniela Gilboa. Bulgaria will continue to work in coordination with international partners and Israel to release all hostages held in Gaza. Bulgaria's unwavering solidarity with Israel's right to live in peace and guarantee the security of its citizens was reaffirmed.

The two expressed hope, that despite the challenges, the agreement reached will be implemented in its entirety, and all hostages released, improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza and hoping for a process to establish peace and stability in the region.

During the conversation, the good pace of development of bilateral relations, which are of a strategic nature, was noted, as was the mutual desire to further deepen the partnership in a number of areas of common interest. Bulgaria confirmed its support for the imminent holding of a full-fledged EU-Israel Association Council, which would give a positive impetus to relations and an opportunity to expand EU cooperation with Israel.

On Saturday, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry welcomed the release of Bulgarian national Daniela Gilboa, who had been held captive by Hamas, and expressed hope for the release of all other hostages in the near future.