Bulgaria is interested in developing its bilateral partnership with Iran in the economy, trade, energy and transport. This was stated by Head of State Rumen Radev at a meeting in New York with the President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. President Radev welcomed the stated intention of the new state leadership of Iran to deepen its dialogue with the countries of the European Union and expressed hope that it would lead to the strengthening of trust, the development of cooperation in areas of mutual interest, as well as to the finding of mutually acceptable solutions regarding on sensitive issues such as the country's nuclear program.

 

President Radev noted the fruitful partnership between Bulgaria and Iran in the recent past, as well as the significant commercial and cultural exchange between the two countries and called for joint efforts for their restoration and development. For his part, President Pezeshkian shared this assessment and emphasised that the bilateral cooperation is based on the experience of 125 years of bilateral relations.

 

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

 

President Radev appealed to his Iranian counterpart for support in the negotiations for the release of the captain and the mate of the ship "Galaxy Leader", detained off the coast of Yemen. The head of state also raised the issue of providing assistance from Iran for the release of all Hamas hostages captured during the attack on 7  October last year.

 

President Pezeshkian 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, and in this regard extended an invitation to President Radev to visit Iran at a convenient time for both sides time.