site.btaForeign Minister Voices Ambition to Modernise, Develop Diplomatic Service

Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev delivered an address for Bulgarian Diplomatic Service Day during a reception at the Boyana Residence here on Tuesday, his Ministry said in a press release. Attending the ceremony were President Rumen Radev, Vice President Iliana Iotova, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, members of the diplomatic corps, ministers, and MPs.

In his address, Minister Georgiev noted that the diplomatic service is part of the national security system. "Our ambition is to modernise and develop it. Thank you for seeing the diplomatic service as a duty and a vocation," he told the diplomats in attendance.

Georgiev stressed the importance of professionalism and consistency in Bulgaria's foreign policy. "Since its inception, both in times of peace and historical vicissitudes, Bulgarian diplomats have always proved their high professionalism and dedication to the cause called Bulgaria," he said, and expressed his gratitude to all those who have contributed to defending the country's interests and authority.

Georgiev highlighted key national achievements: full Schengen membership, entry in the еurozone on January 1, 2026, and significant progress towards membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), with Bulgaria working towards an invitation to join as early as 2026.

In the context of international security, the Foreign Minister said that Bulgaria remains firmly in support of Ukraine: "Russian aggression threatens the security of Europe and the world. We support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in its internationally recognised borders."

Georgiev also highlighted Bulgaria's active role in NATO and the EU, including the decision to gradually increase defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, as well as the country's contribution to the efforts for stability on the Eastern flank of the Alliance and in the Black Sea region.

Georgiev paid special attention to the European perspective of the Western Balkans: "The European integration of the region remains our strategic priority. Progress depends on the implementation of reforms, good neighbourliness and the rule of law." He also stressed the importance of protecting the rights of Bulgarians and historical communities in the region.

Minister Georgiev also drew attention to Bulgaria's rotating presidencies of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organisation and the South-East European Cooperation Process describing them as proof of the country's active role in regional stability and connectivity.