site.btaUPDATED President Radev Confers with Saudi Crown Prince, Holds Meeting with Bulgarian Community in Riyadh

President Rumen Radev conferred with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh and renewed his invitation for the Crown Prince to carry out his postponed visit to Bulgaria, accompanied by business representatives, in order to deepen high-level dialogue and boost bilateral economic ties, the President’s press secretariat said. Radev is visiting Saudi Arabia to attend the Future Investment Initiative international forum.

During the meeting, the Bulgarian head of State said that Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy for modernization through targeted investment in high technology, innovation, energy, and education offers promising opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation with Bulgaria.

The President highlighted Bulgaria’s growing role as a regional centre for technological development in Southeast Europe, citing the work of leading technology companies and research institutions, the establishment of the region’s first Institute for Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, and the planned creation in Sofia of one of six artificial intelligence factories forming part of the EU’s key computing infrastructure.

Both sides agreed that the two countries’ achievements in high technology, innovation, sustainable energy, and defence provide a solid basis for expanding bilateral trade, scientific, and investment partnerships. They also noted mutual interest in strengthening academic exchange and utilizing European financial instruments to implement joint projects, the press secretariat said.

Radev expressed Bulgaria’s support for the efforts of Middle Eastern countries to achieve an immediate cessation of hostilities in the region and to reach a lasting peace through diplomatic means.

During his visit to Riyadh, President Radev also met with members of the Bulgarian community in Saudi Arabia and answered questions. “For Bulgaria to move forward confidently and develop as a modern, European, democratic country, there must be clear accountability in government. For me, this is a key condition,” Radev said. “There must be a clear, open face to this Government,” he added.

"For Bulgaria to move forward confidently and develop as a modern, European, democratic country, there must be clear accountability in government. For me, this is a key condition," he said. “Until we remove the model of backroom dealings, the absence of any accountability, and at the same time decision-making about running the State in a direction unknown to anyone – a direction that exists only in the minds of a very limited circle of people – we cannot expect development going forward,” added Radev.

“Bulgaria has a clearly defined perspective. Bulgaria is a member of the European Union and NATO, and Bulgaria, I am confident, must develop within clearly defined democratic mechanisms. The real challenge here is for Bulgaria to remain a loyal member of these unions while also defending its national interest,” Radev added.

“For Bulgaria to achieve economic development, sustainable economic growth, innovative industries, investments, and for Bulgarians themselves to invest in their own country, we still have a lot of work to do to ensure that Bulgarian business is free from extortion and institutional pressure,” Radev said.

He further stressed that the protection of the rights and welfare of Bulgarian communities abroad is a fundamental pillar of Bulgaria’s foreign policy.

The also President voiced confidence that Bulgaria’s diplomatic mission in Riyadh was fully aligned with this national priority and stood ready to provide assistance to any Bulgarian citizen in need.

He underlined that the achievements of Bulgarians living and working in Saudi Arabia were not only a testament to their dedication, hard work and professionalism, but also a source of national pride. According to him, their success stories help project a positive image of Bulgaria abroad and contribute to the deepening of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Attending the event, Bulgarian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Lyubomir Popov said that the Bulgarian community in Saudi Arabia is made up of highly qualified professionals. The ambassador described the Bulgarian community as small but distinguished.