Оn 23 April the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ekaterina Zaharieva met the Deputy Prime Minister of the State of Qatar, Ahmad al Mahmud. During the meeting she put much emphasis on Bulgaria’s wish to carry out projects, with Qatar’s support, in the field of infrastructure, renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and tourism.
Both countries share one common philosophy that development goes through stability and hard work is of interest to different social groups, said Ahmad al Mahmud. The Qatari party highlighted the Bulgaria’s important role within the foreign political priorities of Qatar for a development of relations with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The Deputy Prime Minister of Qatar expressed satisfaction with the level of bilateral political and economic dialogue, underlining that over the last two years we have made significant progress. He appreciates that even the caretaker government of Bulgaria insists on developping its relations with traditional and strategic partners such as Qatar.
Deputy Prime Minister Zaharieva asked the Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways Mr. Akbar al Bakar if direct flights to Sofia can be scheduled. Our country provides added value for investors in tourism, with a rich historical heritage and natural resources for development of spa and medical tourism. The Deputy Prime Minister suggested that Qatar Airways could become a partner of some leading Bulgarian Tourist Companies and offer attractive holiday proposals for countries located in the Gulf. It has been suggested that Qatar Airways can arrange more flights to and from Sofia. During the meeting it was stated that Qatar Airways would increase the frequency of its flights to and from Sofia and they would be direct.
In Doha, Deputy Prime Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva opened the Bulgarian pavilion at the fair, organized in the framework of the 8th World Chambers Congress in Doha. Bulgaria had its own pavillion to present construction companies and that our country could be a tourist destination.