site.btaVelislava Petrova Assumes Office as Foreign Minister

Velislava Petrova took over the post of Foreign Minister during an official ceremony at the ministry from caretaker minister Nadezhda Neynsky, who also presented a report on the work accomplished by the ministry during the caretaker government’s term.

“Our people have given us the opportunity to govern with a full majority, which we accept with full responsibility,” Petrova said. “I believe we will have the necessary stability so that Bulgaria’s foreign policy has a clear direction and represents Bulgaria in the most adequate way possible within the alliances in which it participates and on the broader international stage,” Petrova said.

Petrova acknowledged the work of her predecessor Nadezhda Neynsky. “I have always looked at you as a role model, not only for diplomats but also for women in diplomacy, so I will continue to rely on your wisdom from now on as well,” Petrova added.

For her part, Neynsky said: “Diplomacy is tasked with defending the national interest through much less visible, but often far more successful means, which requires a high level of professionalism and dedication, and I have no doubt that you will devote yourselves to this.”

As an achievement of the caretaker government, Neynsky highlighted the successful organization of the parliamentary elections abroad despite the limited number of polling stations. According to her, more than 50,000 additional people voted abroad in the April elections. “We went through the difficult task of evacuating Bulgarian citizens during the Gulf War, and we faced complex decisions in defending our national security,” she noted. “We tried to truly meet the expectations of the Bulgarian citizens,” Neynsky said.

“Being European is not just an empty word, but a requirement in terms of morality, justice, honesty, and legality,” Neynski stated. She added that the people in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are highly motivated professionals and individuals one can rely on.