Minister Zaki's remarks came during a meeting with his Bulgarian counterpart Todor Tagarev and his accompanying delegation, which is in Cairo for the first meeting of the joint cooperation committee between the two countries. 

According to the Egyptian Armed Forces Spokesperson Gharib Abdel-Hafez Gharib, Minister Zaki further stressed that deepening the partnership between Egypt and Bulgaria would enhance regional and international security and stability. 

From his side, the Bulgarian defence minister expressed pride in the historical relations between both countries, praising Egypt's efforts to resolve the Palestinian cause and securing the entry of humanitarian aid for the residents of the Gaza Strip.

Furthermore, the meeting touched on the repercussions of the current crises and their impact on security and stability in the Middle East.

Additionally, Zaki and Tagarev discussed ways to enhance military cooperation between Egypt and Bulgaria in several fields. 

They signed a memorandum of understanding in the field of defence cooperation between the armed forces of both sides.

An official reception ceremony was held for Tagarev at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Egyptian Ministry of Defence, where military music played the national anthem for both countries.

The meeting was attended by Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces Osama Askar and several military commanders from both countries.