Bulgaria, Israel to Boost Security, Business Cooperation

Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev (L) and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu (R) after their meeting Tuesday. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Bulgaria and Israel are committed to deepening their common work in security matters and business, stated Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

The two met Tuesday, during the the second day of Plevneliev's official state visit to Israel and Palestine.

"Bulgaria is a true and long-time friend of Israel. Strong and warm ties exist between our peoples," said Israeli PM Netanyahu.

He added that these relations date back from the Second World War, when many Bulgarians did all they can to rescue Jews from the hands of the Nazis.

Netanyahu further thanked Bulgaria for its "swift reaction and professionalism" in dealing with the July 18 terror attack in Burgas that claimed the lives of 5 Israeli tourists.

The two leaders vowed to deepen their countries' cooperation in the field of security to prevent any such future tragic events.

On his part, the Bulgarian President drew attention towards opportunities for Israeli companies to do business and invest in Bulgaria.

"Bulgaria can be attractive to foreign investors with its financial and economic stability, the access it gives to the EU's common market, with its low taxes and qualified workers," said Plevneliev.

The two leaders further discussed plans for the upcoming commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the rescue of Bulgaria's Jews.

After the meeting with Netanyahu, Plevneliev's Israeli visit also includes a meeting with the Bulgarian community in Israel.

Monday the Bulgarian President met his Israeli counterpart Shimon Peres, again underscoring the historic ties between the two people and the opportunities for business cooperation.

Wednesday Plevneliev is off to the Palestinian Authority, where he will meet President Mahmoud Abbas.

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