site.btaDecember 2023 Declared Bulgarian American Friendship Month in Arizona

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has declared December 2023 a month of Bulgarian American friendship, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry reported here on Friday. The initiative for that came from the Bulgarian Consul General in Los Angeles, Boyko Hristov.

Governor Hobb's proclamation points to the enduring diplomatic ties between the United States and Bulgaria. It says that "the bonds between the two nations, rooted in shared values, democratic principles, and a commitment to freedom, have strengthened over the past century, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation". It says further that "the people of Arizona acknowledge the rich cultural heritage of Bulgaria and the contributions of Bulgarian-Americans to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of our state and nation".

The proclamation is issued in the context of the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and the US.

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel thanked Governor Hobbs "for this gesture of friendship". "The proclamation is a recognition of the contribution of Bulgarian-Americans to the prosperity of this beautiful state and the traditional fine cooperation with our friend and ally America," the top Bulgarian diplomat said.