NEWS

Bulgarian foreign policy is becoming more active and by opening not only to Europe, but also to more dynamically developing economies such as Qatar, we seek opportunities for ensuring more pragmatism and for improving the Bulgarian trade balance. This is what President Rosen Plevneliev said, who held talks with representatives of the Bulgarian community in Qatar late last evening in Doha. The Bulgarian Head of State is on an official visit to the Arab country at the invitation of Sheikh Tamin Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar. “Our efforts to expand our relations with Qatar are facilitated also by the clear political message conveyed by the country that they are willing to cooperate and work and produce together with us,” Rosen Plevneliev emphasized.

 

The Head of State was adamant that Bulgaria’s development does not involve addressing only its own problems. He also said that no one will wait for our society to start making up for the wasted time during the transition period. “Qatar has an annual economic growth of 20-percent and this means that we should readjust so as to become part of this successful model,” the President said.

 

According to Rosen Plevneliev, Bulgaria enjoys the reputation of being a correct partner throughout the world and this fact gives us the chance to revive our traditions from the recent past, as well as regain our positions in the export of food, medicines and special products to the Arab countries. “Although we have an enormous potential, we need a strategic partner to help us unlock it,” the Head of State further added. 

 

Rosen Plevneliev expressed gratitude to our compatriots in Qatar, who successfully work in a lot of sectors in the country such as sports, education, medicine, construction, telecommunications and contribute to creating a positive image of Bulgaria. “When we come to know each other better, we will certainly be able to work better together with Qatar,” the President pointed out. 

 

Our compatriots in the Arab country requested that the Head of State helps to waive the visa regime and launch a direct airline Sofia-Doha. In Rosen Plevneliev’s words, Qatar’s ambition to be included in the EU’s positive visa list creates favorable conditions for liberalizing the visa regime with Bulgaria. The Head of State also emphasized that the fact that an embassy of Qatar was opened in Bulgaria two years ago and that the two countries carry out many projects together, are the decisive factors that contribute to the establishment of closer communication links between Bulgaria and Qatar. 

 

More than 100 Bulgarian compatriots took part in the meeting held in the building of the Bulgarian embassy in Doha. Currently about 400 Bulgarians live in Qatar and a Bulgarian Sunday school “Homeland” has been functioning since 2009.