Egypt, Bulgaria discuss bolstering relations

CAIRO – 22 May 2017: Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry emphasized the necessity of bolstering relations between Egypt and Bulgaria, during a meeting with newly-appointed Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva on Monday.

Zaharieva expressed her understanding of the challenges Egypt has encountered during its democratic transition, pointing out that her country experienced the same difficulties when joining the European Union, according to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Rhodes Conference for Security and Stability, taking place between May 22 and 24 at the Greek island of Rhodes.

Shoukry presented Egypt's stance toward the crises in Syria, Libya, Yemen, and Iraq and its efforts to revive peace talks between Palestine and Israel.

He emphasized a necessity to enhance relations between Egypt and Bulgaria, especially in the fields of tourism and culture.

The Bulgarian foreign minister praised President Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi’s keynote speech on Sunday, during the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh, especially questions regarding the international efforts addressing counterterrorism, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ahmed Abou Zaid said.