site.btaPresident Radev, Bulgarians in Croatia Pay Homage to Ivan Vazov at Monument to Writer in Zagreb

During his official visit to Croatia on Monday, President Rumen Radev and Bulgarians living in Croatia paid homage to Ivan Vazov at the monument to the Bulgarian writer in Zagreb, the President's press secretariat reported. In his address, the head of State said that the Bulgarians living in Croatia are an active part of contemporary Croatian society who with their activity contribute to the better image of Bulgaria and trust in the country. 

Bulgaria and Croatia have centuries-old historical and spiritual ties, President Radev said after laying a wreath at the monument. He stressed his gratitude to the Croatian people for the fact that in the most difficult years for Bulgaria - during the Ottoman rule, Bulgarians found a second homeland on Croatian soil. Radev noted the support of the Croatian people during the Revival period and the Bulgarian national liberation movement, which contributed to the preservation of the Bulgarian identity and freedom.

Bulgarians in Croatia are the foundation of the cooperation between the two countries, Radev told representatives of the Bulgarian community, noting the intensive political dialogue and the improvement of economic indicators in the partnership between the two countries. The President expressed appreciation for the efforts of the community to preserve the Bulgarian spirit and traditions.

Bulgarians in Croatia number around 300 and have been recognized as a national minority. The erection of the monument to Ivan Vazov in the Croatian capital was initiated by the Bulgarian Embassy, and the construction and placement of the monument was funded by donations.