site.btaBulgaria Will Continue to Be Active, Responsible Member of EU and NATO, Foreign Minister Says

Bulgaria will continue to be an active and responsible member of the European Union and NATO, striving not only to participate but also to contribute to the unity and stability of both alliances, as well as to the connectivity, development and security of the region, said Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova during a reception marking Bulgarian Diplomatic Service Day at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry said on Monday.

The event was attended by National Assembly Chair Mihaela Dotsova, deputy prime ministers, ministers, MPs, members of the diplomatic corps, diplomats and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as magistrates, journalists and public figures.

In her address, Petrova said that the diplomatic service has long been, and continues to be, an important pillar of Bulgarian statehood and the country's first line of defence for safeguarding national interests internationally. According to her, the contemporary international environment is presenting diplomatic services around the world with increasingly complex challenges.

Among the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' leading priorities, the Foreign Minister highlighted the development of economic diplomacy, the modernization of consular services, and support for Bulgarian citizens and businesses. She said that the diplomatic service should create opportunities for young people and businesses while also protecting the rights of Bulgarian communities abroad.

Petrova thanked the diplomats and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their work in defending national interests, developing international partnerships and strengthening trust in Bulgaria.

The Foreign Minister also placed special emphasis on cultural diplomacy and the contribution of Bulgarian artists, scholars and athletes to building the country's positive image around the world. During the ceremony, she presented the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' honorary certificate to the Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices female choir in recognition of the ensemble's contribution to promoting Bulgarian culture internationally. The Minister said that support for Bulgaria's natural ambassadors would become a permanent initiative of the Ministry.

National Assembly Chair Mihaela Dotsova also delivered a greeting on the occasion of the celebration. She thanked Bulgarian diplomats for their dedicated service and stressed the importance of their professionalism and commitment in the current complex international environment.