Within the frameworks of his visit to Israel, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov discussed, with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, cooperation opportunities in the sphere of security and possible joint production in the sphere of defence.

The sides described bilateral relations as traditionally good. PM Netanyahu expressed gratitude for Bulgaria’s unflagging support and efforts in upholding the interests of Israel at various international forums, as well as within the EU. Israel is a strategic partner for Bulgaria in the sphere of the economy, finance, energy, tourism and agriculture, as well as high-tech and security. 

“To us the State of Israel is a friend that we can rely on,” Borissov pointed out.  During talks between Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and Borissov the two have discussed the situation in the Middle East.

The Bulgarian prime minister met with the leader of the parliamentary opposition Isaac Herzog. Boyko Borissov thanked the Knesset of Israel for the assistance in drafting Bulgaria’s Anti-Terrorism Law and for organizing a public discussion of it.

It was made clear during Boyko Borissov’s visit to Israel that in September, both in Sofia and Tel Aviv, monuments to mark the 75^th anniversary since the Rescue of the Bulgarian Jews are expected to be unveiled.

At a meeting with the Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III, Boyko Borissov was awarded with the Order of the Knights (Orthodox) of the Holy Sepulcher. The Bulgarian premier acquainted the patriarch with what the Bulgarian government has done for the reconstruction of churches in Bulgaria and abroad. After that Borissov paid homage to the Holy Sepulcher.