Lieberman: Bulgaria First Came to Israel's Aid

Bulgarian PM Borisov (left) and Israeli Foreign Minsiter Lieberman place flowers at the Monument of Bulgarian fire-fighters in Sofia, after Lieberman thanked the Bulgarian firemen who helped put out the wildfire in Israel recently. Photo by BGNES

Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman thanked Bulgaria for sending fire-fighters to help tackle the recent conflagration near Haifa.

Lieberman arrived on a visit in Sofia Thursday, a day after the 92 Bulgarian fire-fighters returned from their week-long mission in Israel.

"The Bulgarian fire-fighters were the first to arrive. We value this help very highly, the entire Israeli nation accepted this gesture with huge gratitude. Real friends always help in time of need, and you Bulgarians have proven that," he declared at a meeting with the fire-fighters.

Lieberman was welcomed in Sofia by Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, Foreign Minister Nikolay Mladenov, and President Georgi Parvanov.

"We believe in the direct talks with the Palestinians without pre-conditions and intermediaries. We are ready for this dialogue, and we are prepared to make further concessions. Bu the key element for Israel is security. Security needs are of prime importance for our country," Israeli Foreign Minister declared during his talks with Bulgaria's top diplomat.

He further declared Israel's resolve to fight Hamas, and pointed out that the EU can contribute to the Middle East Peace Process not just as a humanitarian aid sponsor but also in the security realm.

Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Mladenov said that the bilateral cooperation with Israel has a "fundamental character" because it is built upon joint interests as well as warm human relations.

Bulgaria's Prime Minister Boyko Borisov declared that the two countries are currently working on a number of cooperation deals in various spheres that will boost the economic ties. He said that in the past year, the Bulgarian-Israeli trade has doubled.

In his talks with Lieberman, Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov declared Bulgaria's readiness to be provide assistance in the Middle East Peace Process negotiations to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.

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