President Radev: The escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has the potential to threaten peace in the entire region

The escalation of conflict in the Middle East has the potential to threaten peace throughout the region, President Rumen Radev told journalists in Bourgas on October 1.

"I also called from the UN rostrum for restraint, for reason and it is time for the spiral of violence and suffering in the Middle East to really stop. This requires efforts not only from the parties involved, but also consistent efforts from the entire international community," the head of state said.

He congratulated the Bulgarian services that are working to ensure a safe corridor for the evacuation of Bulgarian citizens from Lebanon. He confirmed that efforts are being made at all levels to secure the release of the Bulgarian sailors from the ship ‘Galaxy Leader’.

"I would like to congratulate the crew of the government aircraft, the security services, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Transport, who have been working very hard in recent days, to provide a safe corridor for our plane so that our compatriots can be evacuated. That most important task at the moment is the evacuation of Bulgarian citizens from Lebanon.

As regards work for the release of the Bulgarian sailors on the Galaxy Leader ship, which was hijacked by the Houthis off the coast of Yemen in November 2023, Radev pointed out that efforts to provide assistance and help have been made at all levels since day one and have never ceased. “We are have been holding talks with the heads of state and government of the countries in the region at the highest level, for provision of assistance and help," the President said.

The Head of State is in Bourgas to participate in a ceremony marking the opening of a production base for armoured defence equipment.