Mariya Gabriel

The Indian Navy has reported tracking the Bulgarian cargo ship "Ruen", flying the Maltese flag, after it was hijacked in the Arabian Sea. The vessel is believed to have been seized by Somali pirates, although their identity has yet to be confirmed.

There is still no contact with the crew of the hijacked ship "Ruen", owned by the "NAVIBULGAR" shipping company. No access to satellite phones either. There are 18 people on board the vessel, 8 of whom are Bulgarians, as well as sailors from Angola and Myanmar. The ship was boarded yesterday 380 nautical miles east of the island Socotra, in the waters of the Arabian Sea.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel emphasized Bulgaria's unwavering stance on its Schengen entry aspirations, vowing to maintain the hard-earned progress and efforts in joining the border-free zone. Gabriel conveyed this commitment while addressing reporters during her participation in a session of the parliamentary Foreign Policy Committee.

UPDATE: The crew of the hijacked vessel "Ruen," belonging to the "NAVIBULGAR" shipping company, remains out of contact, including through satellite phones. Onboard are 18 individuals, including 8 Bulgarians, alongside sailors from Angola and Myanmar.

Dimitar Berbatov, the renowned former football sensation, declared his bid for the presidency of the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) during a press conference held today at BTA. With the BFU Congress date confirmed, Berbatov seized the opportunity to unveil the core principles and priorities outlined in his campaign.

GERB leader Boyko Borissov addressed the issue of the derogation for Russian oil in Parliament, dismissing claims that his party aimed to overthrow the government over the matter.

Information for Bulgarians traveling and living abroad, about crisis situations and travel requirements. These are just some of the data that will be available to check in the "Travel Informed" (Пътувай информирано) mobile application. The application was officially presented by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel at "Sofia Tech Park".

Mairead McGuinness, the European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services, and the Capital Markets Union, is set to embark on a consequential two-day working visit to Bulgaria, as confirmed by the press service of the European Commission's Representation in Bulgaria.

The Governor and Deputy Governor of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), Stanimir Mihaylov and Prof Momchil Mavrov, have submitted their resignations to the National Assembly, confirmed by Parliament's press centre following a joint briefing by GERB leader Boyko Borissov, Democratic Bulgaria co-chair Hristo Ivanov, and We Continue the Change co-chair Asen Vassilev.

Mrs. Meenakashi Lekhi, Hon'ble Minister of State of External Affairs and Culture, Republic of India is on official visit to Republic of Bulgaria from 30th November, 2023 to 1st December, 2023.