The current development of events in the Middle East region, including the practical implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the release of all hostages, was discussed by Interior Minister Georg Georgiev with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.
Their meeting is within the framework of the Munich Security Conference, and before it the two had a telephone conversation two weeks ago, when the Bulgarian Foreign Minister took office.
During the conversation, Georgiev expressed hope that all phases of the agreement concluded on January 19 will be successfully completed, and that this will lead to both the gradual release of all hostages and the achievement of a ceasefire, which would create the necessary prerequisites for seeking a lasting and sustainable solution to this conflict and establishing a peace and stability in the region.
Georgiyev again assured his Israeli counterpart that 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.
On a bilateral level, the two foreign ministers share the view that our countries maintain excellent relations of a strategic nature, based on the exceptional bond that binds the Bulgarian and Jewish peoples. Israel is a key and very important partner for Bulgaria in the Middle East.
The two also confirmed their mutual desire to further deepen the partnership in a number of areas of common interest. Bulgaria confirmed its support for the successful and full-fledged holding of the EU-Israel Association Council soon, which would open up new opportunities for expanding EU cooperation with Israel.