Minister Georg Georgiev Meets with the Australian Ambassador to Bulgaria, H.E. Alison Duncan, Accredited in Athens
14 July 2025 News
Today, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Georg Georgiev received, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ambassador of Australia to Bulgaria, H.E. Ms Alison Duncan, who is accredited in Athens. Both sides gave a high assessment of the friendly relations between Bulgaria and Australia, grounded in shared values and common interests. The meeting included discussions on the positive prospects within the EU–Australia dialogue, including the resumption of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement, as well as the development of the NATO–Australia dialogue. Views were also exchanged on current issues on the international agenda. Ambassador Duncan highlighted Bulgaria’s progress in its accession process to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Minister Georgiev emphasised that Australia is an important partner for Bulgaria in the Asia–Pacific region. Mutual satisfaction was expressed with the successful development of bilateral initiatives, such as the negotiation of a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement between Bulgaria and Australia, and the effective practical cooperation under the Memorandum on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage. Ambassador Duncan shared details of her visit to the town of Sozopol, where she observed on site the joint research being conducted by Bulgarian and Australian experts on the sunken ship Urdoviza.
The meeting also highlighted the contribution of the Bulgarian diaspora to the cultural diversity and development of Australia, which is home to the largest Bulgarian community in the Asia–Pacific region.
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