Head of State Rumen Radev and the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, discussed the current security environment in the Middle East over the phone today. The two touched on diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the region, including the opportunities to secure free navigation in the Red Sea.

Radev and Sheikh Hamad Al-Thani shared the view that the the unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains the leading challenge for global security in terms of ensuring lasting peace and stability in this key region. They also shared the assessment that the only lasting and generally acceptable solution to this conflict can and should be sought on the basis of strict compliance with international law and the implementation of relevant UN resolutions. Concern was also expressed about the growing risks of an uncontrolled regional expansion of the conflict. In this context, and as a first step towards achieving lasting peace and prosperity for the countries in the region, the need for the release of all hostages linked to the conflict as soon as possible and an end to all acts of violence and use of brute military force was highlighted.