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Bilateral relations

Relations between Israel and Bulgaria since 1948

Did you know that Bulgaria was one of the first countries to recognize the State of Israel, shortly after its establishment?

Relations between Israel and Bulgaria date back to 1948, and the two countries have enjoyed excellent friendly relations, fruitful cooperation in many spheres, as well as provide each other crucial support in times of need. 

In the chart below, you can see some of the most significant events in the bilateral relations between Israel and Bulgaria.

1948
flags Israel Bulgaria

The Republic of Bulgaria recognizes the State of Israel and establishes diplomatic relations

1952
ShmuelBenzurToBulgaria

The first ever visit of official Israeli representative, Mr. Shmuel Benzur to Bulgaria

1967
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Bulgaria severs diplomatic relations with Israel

1990
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Resumption of diplomatic relations between Israel and Bulgaria 

1991
 yitzhak_shamir_1992_dan_hadani_archive

Visit of the Israeli PM Yitzhak Shamir to Bulgaria

1992
Visit of PM Filip Dimitrov to Israel

The first ever visit of Bulgarian PM, Filip Dimitrov to Israel

1993
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President of the Republic of Bulgaria Zhelyu Zhelev visits Israel

1995
Science_Cooperation

Agreement for Scientific Cooperation was signed 

2000
President Stoyanov Shimon Peres meet

President of the Republic of Bulgaria Petar Stoyanov visits Israel

2007
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An agreement has been signed between Israel and Bulgaria, according to which visa restrictions for travel are removed

2008
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President of the Republic of Bulgaria Georgi Parvanov visits Israel

2010
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Signing of MoU on Military and Defense Cooperation between Israel and Bulgaria

2012
G2G 2012

G2G visit led by PM Borissov to Israel

2016
President Rivlin met with President Plevneliev

Visit of the President of the State of Israel Reuven Rivlin to Bulgaria

2018
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Visit of PM Boyko Borissov to Israel

2018
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Visit of PM Benjamin Netanyahu to Bulgaria

2018
President Radev visit Israel 2018

Visit of President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rumen Radev to Israel

2020
30 years resumption of Israel - Bulgaria diplomatic relations

Israel and Bulgaria marked 30 years anniversary of the resumption of their diplomatic relations

2020
President Radev visits Israel to meet President Rivlin

Visit of President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rumen Radev to Israel

2020
Signing MoU on Energy 2020

Signing of MoU on Cooperation in the Energy Field

2021
Mashav Donation to Pirogov Hospital

Mashav donates 2 tons of medical equipment for “Pirogov” hospital

2021
Signing MoU on Water 2021

Signing of an Agreement for Cooperation in the Field of Water

2023
2023 Opening of the renovated Vidin Jewish Synagogue

Opening of the renovated Jewish Synagogue in the city of Vidin, Bulgaria

2023
PM Denkov and FM Gabriel met with President Herzog

Visit of PM Nikolay Denkov and FM Mariya Gabriel to Israel