Nickolay Mladenov: the Bulgarian leading the Board of Peace

"Nickolay Mladenov was the first [Bulgarian] foreign minister to have such an in-depth knowledge of the Middle East. This was a great opportunity for Bulgaria, because shortly after, the war in Syria began, followed by the Arab Spring. Described by Cherneva as a talented communicator who doesn't see diplomacy as a bargaining chip, Mladenov expanded Bulgaria's foreign policy and business engagement."

"The job ahead of him is massive: Mladenov is tasked with overseeing the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, implementing the US-brokered 20-point peace plan, rebuilding Gaza, disarming Hamas and supporting the transition to a Palestinian technocratic government in the enclave all while balancing diverse geopolitical interests."

Nickolay Mladenov, a Bulgarian diplomat with extensive experience in Middle Eastern affairs, has been designated director-general of President Trump's Board of Peace and High Representative for Gaza. His career includes serving as Bulgaria's foreign minister and UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process from 2015 to 2020, during which he earned trust from both Israeli and Palestinian leaders through impartial mediation. His new role encompasses overseeing the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, implementing a US-brokered 20-point peace plan, rebuilding Gaza, disarming Hamas, and supporting Palestinian technocratic governance. Mladenov's background includes service in Bulgaria's parliament and European Parliament, as well as roles as defense and foreign minister, establishing him as a skilled communicator with profound Middle East knowledge.

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