Bulgaria will support every effort put into achieving success in the direct negotiations between the Palestinian Authority and the State of Israel. We are ready to make our contribution, including that within the EU, in support of the Middle East peace process. This is what President Rosen Plevneliev said. Today he met Riyad al-Maliki, foreign minister of the Palestinian Authority, at 2 Dondukov street. The Head of State highly appreciated the fact that the direct negotiations between the two countries had been resumed and emphasized that their success is important not only for the stability in the Middle East, but also for the whole world.

Minister Riyad al-Maliki said that the Palestinian Authority remains committed to the cause for securing long-lasting peace in the Middle East. Hope was expressed that the direct negotiations will lead to a positive result. In this respect the role of the international community in support of the peace process was emphasized.

“The Palestinian Authority strives to achieve more pragmatism in its bilateral relationships with Bulgaria, particularly in the sphere of economic relations,” Minister Riyad al-Maliki said during the meeting.  The idea to establish a joint Bulgarian-Palestinian intergovernmental commission was discussed. It should review the bilateral agreements and outline the sectors in which the economic partnership should develop.

President Plevneliev highlighted construction, education, agriculture, forestry and tourism as sectors that have a potential for carrying out concrete projects.