site.btaForeign Minister Celebrates Bulgaria's Independence Day with Bulgarian Diaspora in New York

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel celebrated Bulgaria's Independence Day, September 22, with members of the Bulgarian diaspora in New York, the Foreign Ministry's press service reported on Saturday. The meeting at Bulgaria's Consulate General in New York was attended by dozens of Bulgarians permanently living in the city.

The event hosted by the Bulgarian Consul General in New York Angel Angelov was also attended by Deputy Health Minister Mihail Okoliiski, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Bulgaria to the UN in New York, Ambassador Lachezara Stoeva, and the Deputy Permanent Representative, Krassimira Beshkova.

The Deputy Prime Minister greeted the attendees on the national holiday and added that it should be respected and celebrated more, as it is the result of diplomatic efforts. She added: "In today's world of conflicts and challenges, let us carry the spirit of our ancestors, because independence means being proud of our history and being free".

Gabriel said she was glad that the meeting was taking place in the year that marks the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and the US. She said that on Monday, September 25, after nearly three years, the second session of the Bulgaria-US strategic dialogue will be held in Washington, D.C. and shared the main topics on the agenda: support for Ukraine, tackling disinformation, the rule of law, deepening cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, defence, expanding bilateral ties.

Addressing the guests of the event, Gabriel said: "Together we can write the new Bulgarian success story, which is why it is important to include people like you, who see Bulgaria from the outside, but carry it in their hearts".