Bulgaria’s PM Borissov holds video conference meeting with leaders of American Jewish Organizations

Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Boyko Borissov on October 19 held a video conference with the leaders of major Jewish organizations in the United States, which took place within the framework of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly.

The talks focused on the shared agenda of the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the United States, the fight against anti-Semitism, the Bulgarian-Israeli dialogue, as well as the key role of the UN in international peace and security.

"Bulgaria and the United States are allies and strategic partners. Cooperation between the two countries isvery extensive with prospects to further advance both bilaterally and within NATO and EU-US cooperation," said Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. during the online meeting. He pointed out that the emphatically close relations of Bulgaria with the American Jewish organizations are a leading starting point for promoting the bilateral dialogue between Sofia and Washington, as well as the practical cooperation between Bulgaria and Israel.

"You are a strong ally of the United States," the representatives of the leading Jewish organizations in the United States told the Bulgarian Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Borissov praised the Bulgaria-US Strategic Dialogue, which first session took place on January 8, 2020 in Sofia. According to him, this opens a new chapter and a higher level of cooperation in priority areas of mutual interest such as security and defense, energy, trade and economy.

"We count on the support of American Jewish organizations to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation and to attract new US direct investment in Bulgaria," said Prime Minister Borissov. According to him, there is significant potential for new bilateral relations in high-tech sectors such as information and communication technologies, outsourcing, mechanical engineering and electronics.

"The COVID-19 pandemic illustrates how crucial and necessary our bilateral and multilateral transatlantic efforts and solidarity are in the name of collective health, prosperity and security," added Prime Minister Borissov. He expressed gratitude for the full American support in the form of a number of initiatives in favour of Bulgaria's efforts to counter the spread of the disease.

During the conversation, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov shared the concerns of the world's Jewish and international communities about growing anti-Semitism and all forms of fanatism.

"We condemn any attempt by individuals with extremist views to manipulate public opinion and instill hatred, taking advantage of the fear and insecurity caused by the pandemic," said Prime Minister Borissov. He added that the Bulgarian institutions and the Jewish community in ther country continue to closely monitor the internet for the appearance of anti-Semitic materials and to respond adequately and in a timely manner.

"The government will continue to create the necessary conditions and policies for an environment free of all forms of discrimination, including by working with the EU and international organizations, which highly value our country's contribution to combating these common challenges," said Boyko Borissov.

During the online meeting, the Prime Minister also stressed the great importance that Bulgaria attaches to its relations with the State of Israel both bilaterally and in terms of the peace process in the Middle East. Proof of this is the high-level political dialogue - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Varna in November 2018, and Prime Minister Boyko Borissov paid two visits to Israel - in June and September 2018, respectively, Borissov and Netanyahu also held several phone calls this year on the occasion of exchange of experience and proven measures in the battle with COVID-19.

"This year marks the 30th anniversary of the resumption of Bulgarian-Israeli diplomatic relations. We reaffirm our will to continue our cooperation with Israel, which is among Bulgaria’s key partners," Prime Minister Borissov said.

The video meeting was attended by the leaders of: the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the American Jewish Committee, the Anti-Defamation League, B'nai B'rith International, the National Coalition Supporting Eurasian Jewry, the World Jewish Congress and the World Jewish Restitution Organization.