site.btaPresident Awards Dutch Ambassador Simon van der Burg with Order of Madara Horseman, First Class

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev presented the Order of the Madara Horseman, First Class, to Dutch Ambassador Simon van der Burg during a ceremony in Sofia on Tuesday.

A presidential decree states that the order recognizes Ambassador van der Burg's outstanding contributions to strengthening and developing bilateral relations between Bulgaria and the Netherlands.

Radev said: "Bulgaria and the Kingdom of the Netherlands enjoy strong relations based on friendship, mutual trust, and respect. We share common interests and values within the EU, NATO, the UN, and other important international organizations. Our political dialogue is characterized by high intensity and a mutual desire to deepen and strengthen cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. We are united by a common desire to build a peaceful and prosperous Europe. We are brought together by a shared responsibility for our stability and security, for stability and security on a global scale, which both countries are actively working towards."

The President thanked van der Burg for his work in strengthening ties in all areas of mutual interest. Radev highlighted trade and economic cooperation and pointed out that the Netherlands is an important economic partner and a leading investor in Bulgaria.

In his acceptance speech, van der Burg also highlighted the good cooperation and emphasized that the two countries are working together to achieve tangible results. He cited Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen area, cooperation in the field of border security, and the deepening of trade and economic relations as examples.

Van der Burg has been the Dutch ambassador to Bulgaria since September 2021.