site.btaForeign Ministry: Bulgaria, Australia Reaffirm Commitment to Deepen Bilateral Cooperation

Bulgaria's Deputy Foreign Minister Hristo Polendakov received Australia's Athens-based Ambassador to Bulgaria, Alison Duncan, on June 17, the Ministry said on Thursday.

The sides reaffirmed the excellent state of bilateral relations, founded on shared values and common interests. They also noted the deepening of cooperation within the framework of the EU-Australia dialogue in trade and investment, security and defence, science and technology, including through progress on the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement, the signing of a Security and Defence Partnership, and Australia's association with the Horizon Europe programme.

Deputy Minister Polendakov stressed that these developments, together with the anticipated signing of a double taxation agreement and Bulgaria's progress towards membership of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), would create conditions for expanding cooperation and achieving tangible results.

During the talks, the significant role of the Bulgarian diaspora in Australia was highlighted. Through its cultural and educational centres, it contributes to strengthening bilateral ties.

The two diplomats also exchanged views on current international issues, including the war in Ukraine and developments in the Middle East, the statement said.