A-   A+
BG

PRIME MINISTER BORISSOV MET WITH THE CROWN PRINCE OF ABU DHABI SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN ZAYED AL-NAHYAN

21.10.2018

Opportunities for intensifying the bilateral cooperation were the focus of the meeting of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.


 
Prime Minister Borissov described as positive some real steps already made in this direction - the opening of embassies in Bulgaria and the UAE, respectively in Abu Dhabi and Sofia at the beginning of the year, as well as his current visit to the federal monarchy, which is the first visit at this level in the history of our country's bilateral relations with the UAE. According to the Bulgarian Prime Minister, since there are already permanent diplomatic representations in both capitals, it is important to continue developing the political dialogue in order to create prerequisites for further fruitful cooperation.


 
Prime Minister Borissov in particular emphasized the development of trade and economic ties and investments, where he noted that there was considerable untapped potential. The Bulgarian Prime Minister pointed out that good opportunities could be sought by intensifying the work of the intergovernmental joint commission on economic cooperation. The Prime Minister noted the favorable business climate in our country, for which the government deliberately works and pointed out the field of high technology and innovation as a promising area for successful cooperation. The Prime Minister highlighted that our country offers a number of other advantages. Additionally, the UAE has shown an investment interest in the Western Balkans in recent years in areas where Bulgaria also offers opportunities.


 
With all my heart, I would like the ties between our two countries to develop and strengthen, said Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi expressed interest in the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Prime Minister Borissov highlighted the country's decision to include as a priority on the European agenda the topic of the Western Balkans and the prospect of their development. He introduced his host to the highlights of the Sofia Declaration signed at the Summit in May this year and confirming the support of all EU Member States for the European perspective of the Western Balkans. The Bulgarian Prime Minister drew attention to the ethnic diversity on the Balkans, and pointed out that our country is an example of ethnic tolerance.


 
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan also noted a number of strategic interests in the spheres of economy, agriculture, construction, technology, and the military industry. He also paid special attention to the transport corridors that Prime Minister Borissov has been negotiating with other Balkan countries. Prime Minister Borissov said that a high-level cooperation council between Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, and Greece will be held in Bulgaria in early November to discuss issues related to the development of the region, including transport corridors.


 
According to Prime Minister Borissov, Bulgaria and the United Arab Emirates should use all advantages of their strategic location in their respective regions and act as a "door" for each other’s investment and export interests respectively in Europe and the Gulf. The Prime Minister confirmed Bulgaria's interest in building an effective partnership with the UAE in the important area of security.


 
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi expressed a desire to visit Bulgaria. In turn, the Bulgarian Prime Minister thanked his host for the hospitality. "I was honored to hear the Bulgarian anthem here and to express the highest regards on behalf of the Bulgarian people," added Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.