President Radev to Iranian counterpart: Bulgaria is eager to develop its bilateral partnership with Iran

Bulgaria is eager to develop its bilateral partnership with Iran in the economic, trade, energy and transport sectors, Bulgaria’s Head of State, Rumen Radev, said at a meeting in New York with Iran's President, Masoud Pezeshkian. The two met within the framework of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.

President Radev welcomed the stated intention of Iran's new state leadership to deepen its dialogue with the European Union countries and expressed hope that it would lead to strengthening trust, developing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, as well as finding mutually acceptable solutions on sensitive issues such as the country's nuclear programme.

Rumen Radev noted the fruitful partnership between Bulgaria and Iran in the recent past, as well as the significant trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries, and called for joint efforts to restore and develop them. President Pezeshkian stressed that the bilateral cooperation between Iran and Bulgaria was built on the experience of 125 years of bilateral relations.

On the prospects for Iran's relations with the European Union, the two heads of state shared the view that seeking and reaching solutions on all issues can only be done through genuine dialogue based on mutual respect, ensuring security and human dignity, which are the founding principles of the United Nations. Rumen Radev also noted the possibility for Iran using its influence to contribute to the stabilisation of the Middle East region.

President Radev asked his Iranian counterpart, President Pezeshkian, for support in the negotiations for the release of the captain and co-captain of the ‘Galaxy Leader’ ship, which was taken hostage by the Houthis off the coast of Yemen.

President Radev also raised the issue of Iran's assistance in the release of all Hamas hostages captured in the attack on 7 October last year.

President Peseshkian expressed hope that the dialogue at the highest level between Iran and Bulgaria will continue to outline common perspectives and possible pragmatic solutions to the challenges we face. In this regard, he invited President Radev to visit Iran at a time convenient for both countries.