23.10.2018
Bulgaria and Egypt, in addition to the exceptional natural, historical and cultural advantages that both countries possess, have similar attitudes towards ethnic tolerance. This was stated by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov at a briefing in Cairo after his meeting with the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. The Bulgarian Prime Minister highlighted the areas that have the potential to become the "bridges" of cooperation between the two countries - education and science, information technology, and innovation. Borissov also noted the willingness of the Egyptian side to found a university that could absorb what our universities, schools, and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences generate.
At the meeting, it was agreed to intensify the work of the Joint Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, as well as the work of the sectoral ministers in fields of mutual interest, including health, construction, and tourism. "I informed the President about the opportunities in Bulgaria and on the Balkans in respect to the creation food hubs. We can provide much more food for places where people live in great poverty in Africa,” added Prime Minister Borissov.
The Bulgarian Prime Minister also placed the focus on cooperation in the fight against migration, the illegal export of cultural and historical valuables, transnational crime, security and the fight against terrorism.
Prime Minister Borissov thanked for the extraordinary hospitality and noted the importance of President el-Sissi's agenda for Egypt to be a stable, secure and safe country, which allows for an increase in the tourist flow. The Prime Minister conveyed to the Egyptian President greetings on behalf of European Council President Donald Tusk, noting that the EU-Egypt Summit in February is under preparation. According to Borissov, this visit is extremely timely in the context of the EU global decision to work ever closer with Egypt.
I thank Bulgaria for providing the opportunity for Egypt's voice to reach the EU and to deliver the message that Egypt is an important factor of stability in the region, said President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. He expressed hope that the Joint Commission for Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation will meet early next year. "Our talks created a wonderful atmosphere," the Egyptian President noted, adding that a number of issues have been discussed, such as migration and cross-border crime.
