Wrap-up
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Prime Minister Rumen Radev speaks at the annual conference of Bulgarian ambassadors abroad, with other speakers seated next to him, among them President Iliana Iotova (second from right) and Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova (far right), Sofia, July 20, 2026 (BTA Photo/Blagoy Kirilov)
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site.btaAnnual Conference of Bulgarian Ambassadors Abroad Held in Sofia
The annual conference of Bulgarian ambassadors and permanent representatives abroad was held in Sofia on Monday. The meeting was hosted by Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova. Speakers discussed Bulgaria's capacity to implement an autonomous foreign policy while working within the European family and to uphold its positions within various international formats. The national defence policy and the well-being of the Bulgarian diaspora around the globe also figured on the agenda of the conference. Bulgaria marked Diplomatic Service Day on Sunday.
President Iliana Iotova noted at the meeting that Bulgaria has the means to pursue its own "autonomous, sovereign and independent policy" under international law. Iotova emphasized: "Policy can be stood up for in each international instrument without concessions - we must simply browse often that small booklet, the Constitution, read it carefully and understand it." Discussing whether Europe has the means to implement a policy of its own and whether it can make progress, the President stated: "Of course it can, why should we reject the idea of strategic autonomy. Isn't it time to find where we belong in this concept?"
Prime Minister Rumen Radev said that in the current complex geopolitical and regional environment, Bulgarian diplomacy is called upon to find solutions and formulate positions that it can uphold in various international formats and within the alliances of which it is a member. "This requires a clear vision and priorities that are developed here and agreed upon through consensus among the country's institutions," the Prime Minister added. He expects that "alongside building modern defence capabilities and achieving greater operational interoperability within NATO, Bulgarian diplomacy will actively participate in all international forums aimed at securing a ceasefire and achieving peace in the conflicts around us, particularly in Ukraine."
According to Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova, the government will work with the clear understanding that the European Union and NATO provide the most favourable environment for safeguarding Bulgaria's national interests, and with the firm conviction that a country such as Bulgaria cannot accept a world of spheres of influence and the redrawing of borders through the use of force. Protecting the rights of Bulgaria's historical and contemporary diaspora and improving consular services will be key priorities, Petrova said. "It is our duty to create the conditions for those who wish to return to their homeland to do so," she emphasized.
Deputy Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Mihaela Karadimova said that Promoting strategic investments, reducing the administrative burden and modernizing the Bulgarian industry are among the main priorities of the government. Bulgaria should establish itself as a regional centre for high-tech investments and a secure and competitive investment destination, Karadimova insisted. She called on the country's ambassadors abroad to take proactive actions to promote business and investment in Bulgaria.
Deputy Defence Minister Lyubomir Monov said in his speech that ensuring national security through the development of modern, effective and interoperable armed forces remains a leading priority for the Defence Ministry. "Rearmament and modernization are under way across all branches of the armed forces and in all operational domains," Monov said. He stressed that the Defence Ministry will work to ensure that the national defence industry is involved in the rearmament and modernization of the Bulgarian armed forces.
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