site.btaPresident Radev Advocates for Strengthened Global Collaboration at Honorary Consuls Meeting

Bulgaria relies on the efforts of honorary consuls from all over the world to help forge new partnerships in the fields of economy, trade, innovation, education, and tourism, President Rumen Radev said in his meeting with the leadership of the Association of Honorary Consuls in Bulgaria in Sofia on Monday, according to the President’s press secretariat. The meeting focused on deepening partnerships and expanding Bulgaria’s international visibility in a dynamic geopolitical environment.

Bulgaria depends on honorary consuls worldwide to develop new partnerships in the areas of economy, trade, innovation, education, and tourism. The country can increase its international presence by restoring its standing and forming new collaborations domestically and internationally in response to shifting geopolitical conditions, Radev said during a meeting with the leadership of the Association of Honorary Consuls in Bulgaria (AHCB). The Association comprises representatives from over 50 countries, including some that do not have a Bulgarian diplomatic mission.

Radev noted that shifts and challenges in the global economy require developing new models of international cooperation. Global disruptions have increased the need to reinforce the resilience of current partnerships and diversify economic and trade relations, including in energy and tourism.

We will continue to rely on AHCB’s commitment to foster closer collaboration in promoting Bulgaria, showcasing its cultural and scientific achievements, expanding tourism opportunities, and attracting new investors and partners, Radev noted.

“Expanding collaboration in education and science delivers sustainable benefits, fostering connections among individuals and businesses alike,” he added.

It was agreed that, to enhance intercountry exchanges, Bulgaria should expedite its visa issuance process. This necessitates targeted measures to both ensure adequate staffing levels and advance the digitization of procedures.

Bulgarian companies in high technology and innovation are extremely successful, and the country has established itself as a centre of information technologies in Southeastern Europe, Radev said.

AHCB, which initiated Monday’s meeting, conveyed their interest in holding regular consultations with the head of state to foster enduring cooperation and advance bilateral relations in trade, economic, cultural, and scientific sectors.

Radev’s remarks to AHCB came amid active consular outreach: the government recently opened new honorary consulates in Poznan and Liverpool and appointed an honorary consul in Marseille, while foreign partners expanded their own presence in Bulgaria, including a Romanian honorary consulate in Ruse and a new Estonian honorary consul in Sofia. In parallel, the Presidency has underscored the importance of honorary consuls, with state honours awarded in October, and the cabinet has discussed accelerating visa issuance through digitization and staffing, echoing partner calls (e.g. Vietnam) to streamline procedures.