PM, Bulgarian counterpart explore means to deepen ties

AMMAN — Prime Minster Omar Razzaz on Sunday met Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and discussed means to boost bilateral ties, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Speaking to the press after the talks, Razzaz highlighted the “deep understanding” between the two sides, stressing that King Abdullah has directed the government to adopt practical measures for the best interests of the two countries.

He also highlighted mutual coordination in terms of foreign policy and regional issues, topped by the Palestinian cause.

The premier added that talks also explored furthering trade exchange and linking the economies of the countries.

He also cited positive indicators in a number of sectors, mainly in the fields of healthcare, tourism, vocational and technical training, exports and imports and agriculture.

An agreement on furthering tourism cooperation has been signed, he added.

Borissov pointed to the variety of shared political stances between the two countries, expressing his country's keenness on advancing cooperation to enhance security and stability.

He also underlined the Kingdom's humanitarian role in hosting 1.5 million Syrian refugees, stressing the need for EU support in this field, noting that furthering Jordanian-Bulgarian security cooperation will be discussed.

On economic cooperation, Borissov highlighted the efforts made to encourage Bulgarian companies to import phosphate from the Kingdom.

The Bulgarian premier stressed the importance of developing bilateral tourism relations, especially in the field of religious tourism, pointing to the two countries’ wealth of historical and cultural landmarks. 

He noted that Bulgaria seeks to further cooperate with Jordan on education, and the upgrade of technology and digital public facilities.

“Bulgaria has completed its mission as president of the EU last year and looks forward to hosting one of the Aqaba counterterrorism conferences, especially after the success it enjoyed hosting the 1+17 conference, which witnessed the participation of the a number of east European countries and China,” Barrisov said. 

Later in the day, Borrisov left the Kingdom via the Marka Military Hospital and was sent off by Minister of State for Prime Ministry Affairs Sami Daoud.