Working Visit of Mr. Asaf Hajiyev, PABSEC Secretary General, to Sofia, Republic of Bulgaria, 5-6 February 2025
On 5 February 2025, Mr. Asaf Hajiyev, PABSEC Secretary General paid working visit to Sofia and met with Ms. Nataliya Kiselova, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria. The Secretary General congratulated Ms. Kiselova on her recent election as President of the Bulgarian Parliament and wished her success. He provided insights into the ongoing activities of the PABSEC and highlighted the significant contribution of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria towards enhancing the cooperation within the PABSEC framework. Mr. Hajiyev extended an invitation to the President to attend the 65th General Assembly, scheduled for 17-19 June 2025 in Baku, and informed her about the transition of the PABSEC Presidency from Azerbaijan to Bulgaria. The discussions also addressed organizational matters concerning the 66th General Assembly, which will take place at the end of 2025 in Bulgaria.
The President of the National Assembly, Ms. Kiselova reaffirmed the commitment of the Bulgarian Parliament to maintain and intensify interparliamentary dialogue and strengthen economic cooperation among the Member States. She emphasized that the Bulgarian Parliament attaches great importance to the activities of the PABSEC and expressed confidence that the Assembly will contribute to the achievement of sustainable development and stability in the Black Sea region. Mr. Petar Kanev, PABSEC Vice-President in charge of Financial Matters, also participated in the meeting.
On the same day, Mr. Hajiyev met with Mr. Rosen Zhelyazkov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria and former President of the National Assembly. The Secretary General congratulated the Prime Minister on his recent election and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet. He informed the Prime Minister about the current activities of the Assembly and underscored the significant role of the Bulgarian Parliament in strengthening the interparliamentary dialogue and cooperation.
The Secretary General and the Prime Minister discussed topical issues and challenges facing the region, emphasizing the Assembly's role in reinforcing economic ties and enhancing connectivity among the Member States. The meeting highlighted their shared commitment to fostering stability, and prosperity in the region through strengthened parliamentary diplomacy and multilateral cooperation. Mr. Petar Kanev, PABSEC Vice-President and member of the Bulgarian Delegation, also participated in this meeting.
On 6 February 2025, the PABSEC Secretary General met with Mr. Rumen Radev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria. The Secretary General informed the President about PABSEC's activities and provided an overview of the ongoing and future initiatives aimed at enhancing the regional cooperation. Mr. Hajiyev expressed appreciation for Bulgaria's active participation in the Assembly and its role in achieving the Assembly's common goals. The discussion also covered the assumption of the PABSEC Presidency by the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria in June 2025.
Bulgarian President emphasized that achieving peace in the region is crucial for connectivity and economic cooperation in the Black Sea. He highlighted Bulgaria's significant position as a reliable factor for the diversification of energy resource transmission routes, particularly through the gas interconnector between Greece and Bulgaria. Additionally, he pointed out the prospects for implementing green energy projects between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria. This project will involve 4 BSEC Member States - Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye and Bulgaria. In the future, other European countries may also join this project. Mr. Petar Kanev, PABSEC Vice-President in charge of Financial Matters also participated in this meeting.
On the same day, the PABSEC Secretary General met with Ms. Evelina Slavcheva, President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), and Prof. Julian Revalski, former President of BAS and PABSEC Special Representative in the International Organizations on Science and Education. Mr. Hajiyev congratulated Ms. Slavcheva on her recent election and wished her success in her important role. He expressed confidence in the continued fruitful cooperation between PABSEC and BAS. During their discussions, the significant role of the scientific institutions in promoting cooperation among the Black Sea countries was highlighted. The possibility of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences hosting a meeting of the Presidents of Academy of Sciences in 2026 in Bulgaria was also noted.
During his working visit to Sofia, Mr. Hajiyev attended the official opening of the exhibition titled “The Academy in the Principality and Kingdom of Bulgaria,” held under the patronage of Simeon Sakskoburggotski. The event showcased the development of the National Academy of Art from its founding to the mid-20th century, alongside the role of the Bulgarian Royal family in its evolution. At the exhibition, the Secretary General met with Simeon Sakskoburggotski (King of Bulgarians (1943-1946) and former Prime Minister (2001-2005)), whom he invited to pay visit to the PABSEC International Secretariat.
Mr. Asaf Hajiyev, PABSEC Secretary General was accompanied by the Secretary of the Committee for Legal Affairs and International Cooperation, Ms. Pavlina Lozanova.