Saudi Arabia is one of Bulgaria's most promising partners in the Middle East, President Iliana Iotova told Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef Al Saud at a meeting during his visit to Bulgaria, the president's press office said.

Iotova also spoke about the planned direct flight link between Sofia and Riyadh. She said it would open up new chances for business, tourism and cultural exchange.

Bulgarian Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev also took part in the talks. The Saudi minister congratulated Iotova on her election as president on behalf of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's crown prince and prime minister. Iotova again invited the prince to visit Bulgaria.

The president said closer security cooperation is the basis for a wider partnership. Earlier the same day, the Bulgarian Interior Ministry said Bulgaria and Saudi Arabia were stepping up cooperation on security and home affairs.

Iotova also mentioned the conflict in the Persian Gulf. She said it, along with the disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, threatens the security of supplies worldwide. She called the kingdom a stabilising force that helps to calm tensions and ease the situation in the region.

The president named innovation as a sector with great potential for both countries. Iotova said Saudi Arabia's modernisation and development strategy, Vision 2030, gives Bulgarian firms with experience in artificial intelligence and high technology a chance to join various projects.

Bulgaria is also interested in the Future Investment Initiative forum, she said. The forum is a project of Prince Mohammed bin Salman and encourages contacts between the state and private business. Iotova noted that the two countries share a long history.

The Saudi minister called Bulgaria a reliable partner and said he expects relations to grow deeper.