site.btaPresident Radev Visits BTA on Occasion of Its 120th Anniversary

Sofia, February 15 (BTA) - President Rumen Radev visited the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) on Thursday, a day before its 120th anniversary. Radev said: "As head of state, I am glad that the Bulgarian News Agency exists and has its history, traditions, experience, professionalism and high standards."

He noted: "You should be proud that BTA was among the first 10 such agencies to be founded in Europe and in the world." He noted that back in 1898 the Bulgarian authorities had the wisdom to appreciate the power of information and created BTA as Bulgaria's gateway to the world and the world's gateway to Bulgaria. The President acknowledged the fact that BTA is one of very few Bulgarian institutions which have preserved their name unchanged and have never stopped functioning for 120 years.

He encouraged the staff of the national news agency "to remain persevering and dedicated, to continue to observe the high standards of the profession, and to be a model of quality journalism in times of fake news, bombastic headlines and would-be heroes."

"I wish you success and professional passion," Radev said.

The President attended BTA's daily editorial meeting. He talked with the agency's Director General Maxim Minchev and other senior officers.