Sofia: PLO Executive Committee member and Palestinian presidential envoy Ahmad Majdalani recently embarked on an official visit to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, where he engaged in high-level discussions with Bulgarian leaders. The meetings focused on the current political climate in Palestine and potential avenues for strengthening the diplomatic and cooperative ties between Palestine and Bulgaria.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency, the visit was coordinated by the Palestinian Embassy in Bulgaria and included meetings with Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova and Prime Minister Rumen Radev. During these discussions, Majdalani delivered messages from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, extending congratulations to Bulgarian leaders on their recent electoral success and the formation of a new government. He also conveyed greetings from other senior Palestinian officials and the Palestinian populace.
In the meetings, Majdalani provided a briefing on the latest political developments in Palestine, the ongoing Israeli actions in Palestinian territories, and their implications for achieving a two-state solution. He highlighted the reform initiatives undertaken by the Palestinian government and emphasized the critical role Bulgaria could play within the European Union to support these reforms and facilitate the Palestinian legislative elections scheduled for November 28.
The discussions also touched upon the relationship between Palestine and Bulgaria, exploring ways to enhance cooperation in areas of shared interest. Bulgarian leaders reiterated their pride in the longstanding relations between the two nations and pledged support for the two-state solution as a means to attain peace and stability.
President Iotova and Prime Minister Radev expressed concern over the conflict in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, calling for an end to hostilities and Israeli actions in the occupied territories. They committed to aiding the Palestinian government's reform efforts and contributing to the European Union's broader initiatives to support Palestinian elections.
Prime Minister Radev assured that Bulgaria is monitoring regional developments closely and remains committed to supporting international efforts for peace, in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 and the Comprehensive Gaza Plan. He emphasized the necessity of global cooperation to achieve enduring peace based on the two-state principle, ensuring security for both Palestine and Israel.
The talks underscored the increased international focus on peaceful solutions in the Middle East, particularly following recent conflicts in the Gaza Strip, which have resulted in significant loss of life. Majdalani reaffirmed Palestine's commitment to the peace process and called for international observer participation in the upcoming elections to bolster institutional legitimacy and unity among Palestinians.