site.btaPM Highlights Democracy, Rule of Law, Respect for Human Rights as Cornerstones of Bulgarian Diplomacy

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

"Democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights are the cornerstones of Bulgarian diplomacy. It often operates in a more invisible spectrum of socio-political life, there is consistency and continuity in its long history," Zhelyazkov said.

The Prime Minister congratulated the Bulgarian diplomats and thanked them for the professionalism with which they defend the country's interests and authority. "The role of Bulgarian diplomats, who represent and are the face of our country in multilateral or bilateral relations, is extremely important," Zhelyazkov said.

The Prime Minister added that the current times are very complex and many changes are taking place within a generation. Zhelyazkov also pointed to the development of artificial intelligence, including its role in diplomacy, for which a study has been carried out by the European Commission. He said that despite the increasing role of artificial intelligence,  it cannot achieve two key things - face-to-face diplomacy and the morals, ethics and principles that are fundamental to diplomacy.

Zhelyazkov stressed the efforts of Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev and the Government to have decent pay for diplomats working abroad. "With next year's budget procedure, we must do the same for those working in the central Government, this is our irrevocable commitment," the Prime Minister said in conclusion.