Ambassador of Bulgaria to Qatar Plamen Stankov Delev, said that since the establishment of our diplomatic relations, Qatar has become a prospective partner for Bulgaria in the Mena region particularly in recent years, and bilateral relations have witnessed significant development, with both states seeking to expand in areas of mutual interest.
The Bulgarian ambassador added, in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), on the occasion of the National Day: "The Republic of Bulgaria highly appreciates our bilateral ties, which are founded on friendship, mutual respect and co-operation. I believe that with the efforts of both countries we can build on the many achievements underlying Bulgarian-Qatari relations."
The envoy added: "I hope that the intensive political dialogue between us will soon bear fruits and the level of Bulgarian-Qatari investments and trade will correspond to its intensity. Concerning cultural co-operation, we have had the opportunity to be present and seen in the vibrant cultural life in Doha -- Bulgarian artists have exhibited their artwork in Doha on a number of occasions, Bulgarian folkloric ensembles have participated in the annual cultural diversity festival hosted in Doha by Unesco and Qatar Foundation, and in 2019 Bulgaria took part for a 4th successive year in the European Jazz Festival, held at Katara every November.
The Bulgarian ambassador said: "Other areas where we expect to deepen our bilateral relations are in science and education. In January 2020, the Bulgarian Minister of Education arrived on an official visit to Doha and a Memorandum of Understanding for co-operation in the spheres of education, science and technology was signed. I believe that very soon there will be Qatari students studying in Bulgarian universities and Bulgarian teachers and students sharing experiences in Doha."
The envoy praised the outstanding progress of Qatar in its development path at the regional and international levels, and domestically in various fields including the economy, education, culture, health care is remarkable. Qatar is establishing itself as a platform for peace and dialogue -- Qatari diplomacy has been successful in facilitating the agreement for bringing peace to Afghanistan by hosting the Intra-Afghan dialogue in Doha.
The envoy added: "Bulgaria as a European Union member state trusts in the unity of the GCC and we support the Kuwaiti mediation of the Gulf crisis. The differences should be settled through dialogue. I have been impressed by the resilience of the Qatari people since the beginning of this rift. My country further supports all international initiatives which could help finding a solution to the crisis through negotiations and peaceful dialogue."
"The 2020 Coronavirus pandemic created extremely complex international conditions and hampered global co-operation. It threatens the economies of both developed and developing countries alike and has not only economic effects but also political and social ramifications. We must recognise and appreciate Qatar's role in containing the pandemic and mitigating its repercussions at the local and international levels. Qatar has been promoting a return to global co-ordination and co-operation, be it bilaterally or multilaterally. It has organised flights through its national carrier Qatar Airways to repatriate nationals from different parts of the world, at a time when the majority of international flights have been suspended.
The ambassador added:"Moreover, Qatar has provided medical assistance to many countries that were put under stress to cope with the burden of managing the pandemic and its human and economic consequences. In adhering to the principles of international co-operation, the State of Qatar supported multilateral health-care institutions."
"On the occasion of the State of Qatar's National Day, I would like to convey my sincere wishes for further development and prosperity of the State of Qatar, as well as good health, wisdom and success to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the Qatari people. The Republic of Bulgaria highly appreciates our bilateral ties, which are based on friendship, mutual respect, co-operation."
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