With its significant oil and gas reserves, Iran has the potential to take part in Bulgaria's energy diversification process.  This is what President Rumen Radev said at a meeting held in New York with his Iranian counterpart, Dr. Hassan Rouhani. They shared the opinion that the expansion of the energy infrastructure that connects Europe and Asia creates conditions that precipitate the more active copperation between Bulgaria and Iran. Dr. Rouhani pointed out that in Iran's energy sector, a number of large-scale projects are being implemented with investments from European countries, China, India and Japan and Iran will continue working to attract new investors and gain access to new markets. 

 

The two presidents reaffirmed the aspirations of Bulgaria and Iran to reestablish the good traditions of holding an active bilateral economic, scientific and cultural exchange. "the state leaders have been tasked with promoting the contacts between the businesses in the field of science and culture as well. For Iran, Bulgaria is a reliable friend and a doorway to expanding the economic ties with Europe", Dr. Rouhani said.  The Bulgarian head of state noted that the historical ties between the peoples of Bulgaria and Iran served as a strong foundation for building on the bilateral relations. President Radev expressed our country's interest in encouraging the mutual investments in the spheres of transport, energy and tourism, and in the opening of a direct air link between Sofia and Tehran. 

 

Deepening the cooperation in the field of science and education was also discussed by the presidents of Bulgaria and Iran. In the last years, both countries have gained experience in the development of the IT sector, and this creates conditions for a scientific exchange and partnership between the tech parks. 

 

President Dr. Hassan Rouhani invited the Bulgarian head of state to visit Iran at a time convenient for him.