site.btaForeign Ministers of Bulgaria, Lebanon Discuss Ways to Revitalize Bilateral Relations

Bulgaria’s Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev and Youssef Rajji, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Lebanon, agreed to establish a joint mechanism that will serve as a basis for revitalizing and strengthening bilateral relations, the Foreign Ministry in Sofia said on Tuesday. The two chief diplomats underlined the need to resume political consultations between their Ministries and to hold them regularly.

The meeting took place during the official visit of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to Bulgaria at the invitation of President Rumen Radev.

Georgiev described President Aoun’s visit as opening “a new chapter” in bilateral relations and stressed that the stability and prosperity of Lebanon are of great importance not only to Bulgaria but also to the wider Middle East region. He welcomed the efforts of the Lebanese President and Government to strengthen state institutions, implement ambitious economic reforms, and achieve stability.

Georgiev expressed Bulgaria’s willingness, as an EU Member State, to provide support and cooperation, and noted anticipation for the resumption of political dialogue between the EU and Lebanon in light of the planned Association Council in December after an eight-year hiatus. Georgiev emphasized that Bulgaria could serve as a strong voice in support of Lebanon within the EU and regarding EU policies.

For his part, Youssef Rajji expressed readiness for cooperation and for revitalizing and further developing relations following a period of stagnation. He also welcomed the traditional friendly ties between the two countries and peoples.

The two sides noted the significant untapped potential and numerous opportunities for cooperation across all areas of mutual interest. Priority areas include trade and economic relations, investments, military cooperation, tourism, culture, education, innovation and growth, new technologies and artificial intelligence. The discussion also covered the potential resumption of direct flights between Sofia and Beirut.