Israeli-Bulgarian Intergovernmental Consultations JOINT STATEMENT Jerusalem, 11 September, 2012 On 11 September, 2012, the Governments of the Republic of Bulgaria and the State of Israel held intergovernmental consultations. The Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Mr. Boyko Borissov, and the Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, note with satisfaction the progress achieved in the relations between the two countries furthermore enhanced today with new bilateral agreements. The Prime Ministers emphasize their determination to further strengthen the relations between the Governments of Israel and Bulgaria and their cooperation in a wide range of areas of strategic importance. The Prime Ministers wish to thank all those who have worked tirelessly to advance the ties between the two states. The following Government members participated in the consultations: On the Bulgarian side: Prime Minister Boyko Borissov Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Tsvetan Tsvetanov Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikolay Mladenov Minister of Education, Youth and Sciences Sergey Ignatov Minister of Defence Anyu Angelov Minister of Health Desislava Atanasova Minister of Agriculture and Food Miroslav Naydenov Minister of Labour and Social Policy Totiu Mladenov Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications Ivaylo Moskovski Minister of Economy, Energy, and Tourism Delyan Dobrev Minister of Environment and Waters Nona Karadzhova Minister of Culture Vezhdi Rashidov 1 On the Israeli side: Prime Minister, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu Minister of Defense, Mr. Ehud Barak Minister of Education, Mr. Gideon Sa'ar Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Daniel Hershkowitz Minister of Interior Mr. Eli Yishai Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms. Orit Noked Minister of Social Affairs and Communications, Mr. Moshe Kahlon Minister of Transport, National Infrastructure and Road Safety, Mr. Israel Katz Minister of Tourism, Mr. Stas Misejnikov Minister of Environmental Protection, Mr. Gilad Erdan Minister of Culture and Sport, Ms. Limor Livnat Minister of Home Front Defense, Mr. Avi Dichter Deputy Minister of Health, Mr. Yaakov Litzman Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Daniel Ayalon Foreign Affairs The Governments of the Republic of Bulgaria and the State of Israel note with satisfaction the growing friendly relations between the two nations, which are based on both shared values and strategic interests, and reaffirm the mutual recognition of their political, security and economic needs. The fact that this is the second intergovernmental session in two years indicates strong dynamics of cooperation between the two countries. In the aftermath of the terrorist attack against Israeli citizens in Bulgaria, the Governments of the Republic of Bulgaria and the State of Israel honour the memory of the victims, Israeli and a Bulgarian, and extend condolences to their families. The Governments confirm their commitment to fight all forms of terrorism and to further develop mutual co-operation in this regard. Both Governments reiterate their objective to strengthen the already close relations and the special historical ties between the two peoples and cultures. Both Governments praise the unique contribution of the community of Israelis of Bulgarian origin to the strengthening of ties between the two nations and societies. 2 The two Governments, through their respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs, will continue to promote and elaborate dialogue in the fields of strategy, economics and R&D. The Ministries will also examine programmes supporting innovation, and encourage exchange of diplomats, opinion makers, journalists and youth. The Governments of the Republic of Bulgaria and the State of Israel recognise the importance and the mutual benefits for both Israel and the European Union in further co-operating within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy. The relations between Israel and the European Union, in the face of global challenges and threats, have been characterised by growing cooperation and achievements in the political, economic/commercial, scientific, technological and cultural spheres, based on shared values and interests. The Governments of the Republic of Bulgaria and the State of Israel recognise the importance and mutual benefits in further developing the NATO-Israel cooperation, in the spirit of NATO’s Partnership Policy. The Governments of Bulgaria and Israel are committed to co-operating in the framework of the UN and other international organisations to the benefit of both countries. In light of the fundamental changes in the Middle East and the North African region, both Governments express their strong support for peoples` aspirations for change. They agree that the democratisation is a long and challenging process that includes positive and constructive tendencies for fundamental political, economic and social changes, as well as a real potential danger for outbreak of violence and radicalisation which, if not managed properly, has the potential to further destabilise the situation in that part of the world. The Governments of the Republic of Bulgaria and the State of Israel express their serious concern about the current stalemate in the Middle East Peace Process. They share the conviction that a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be reached through direct negotiations between the parties. Such negotiations can be based on the Quartet principles with the goal of achieving two states for two peoples – the State of Israel as a Jewish state and the homeland of the Jewish people, and an independent, democratic and viable State of Palestine as the homeland of the Palestinian people, living side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition. Both Governments oppose any manifestation of delegitimisation of the State of Israel. Both Governments share the extreme concern of the international community about the character and final aim of the Iranian nuclear program. They expect Iran to make diplomacy work in order to comply with international demands. Development Cooperation The governments of Bulgaria and Israel are committed to the global cause of Development and poverty eradication. The two sides have decided to increase their engagement and coordination and to establish a Development Dialogue between MASHAV and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria and examine possible Development cooperation 3 and partnership for the benefit of developing countries and Global Sustainable Development. Defence The Ministers of Defence agreed to continue the defence cooperation between the countries, on the basis of mutually agreed annual programs. Holocaust Remembrance Both Governments welcome the study, research and teaching of the fate of the Jewish people during the Holocaust. They strongly reiterate that calls for the destruction of the State of Israel and denial of the Holocaust are absolutely unacceptable. The Government of Israel notes with appreciation the decision of the Government of Bulgaria to join the International Task Force on Holocaust Remembrance, Education and Research. The rescue of the Bulgarian Jewish community during the Second World War was a rare example of non-submission to the Nazi’s Final Solution and the lessons to be drawn from it must serve the cause of resisting all attempts to revive anti-Semitism. Both governments, during 2013, will elaborate a bilateral program for commemorating the 70th anniversary of the fate of the Jewish community of Bulgaria and morning the memory of those communities lost during the Holocaust. The program will contribute to raising public awareness about the historical facts surrounding these events including the rescue of the Jewish community in Bulgaria, the destruction of other communities, as well as the importance of these events in the history of the Holocaust. It will be realized through bilaterally coordinated activities in Bulgaria and Israel, other countries and through international organisations. The bilateral program will be coordinated by a joint panel comprised of representatives of both Ministries of Foreign Affaires in consultation with "Yad Vashem"." The Governments agree that Holocaust remembrance should be fostered via creating a growing awareness in both the public and the educational realm. This includes support for Bulgarian educators attending yearly training seminars at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. The Governments support the strengthening of archival ties, particularly via renewed agreements between the Bulgarian State Archive and Yad Vashem. Both Governments will cooperate in recognising and honouring those who significantly contributed to the rescue of the Bulgarian Jewish Community during the Holocaust. Internal Security Bulgaria and Israel will cooperate in further promoting and expanding the bilateral activities in the field of internal security, in accordance with the existing Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Government of the State of Israel on Cooperation in Combating Illicit Trafficking and Abuse of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic 4 Substances and Other Serious Crimes (signed on 25 February, 2007) and the Summary of Discussion on Bilateral Cooperation and Mutual Assistance Concerning Emergency Management (signed on 7 July, 2011). Both parties will develop bilateral cooperation guided by the following key objectives: To maintain regular high-level visits and political consultations to coordinate the bilateral cooperation in the field of internal