site.btaPresident Radev Decorates Cyprus Ambassador Avgoustides with Order of Madara Horseman

Sofia, July 9 (BTA) - Bulgarian President Rumen Radev Monday presented the Order of the Madara Horseman, First Class, to the outgoing Ambassador of Cyprus in Sofia Stavros Avgoustides for his great services to the promotion of bilateral relations and cooperation.

"I will keep Bulgaria in my heart," said Avgoustides, who is expert in Bulgarian history and a connoisseur of historical landmarks in Sofia. The Ambassador painted pictures in Sofia and staged exhibitions to raise funds for Bulgarian children.

"This order is also a token of the importance which Bulgaria attaches to its contacts with Cyprus," Radev said. "Relations at high and summit political level were pursued during the Ambassador's tour of duty, relations in a spirit of friendship, goodneighbourliness and mutual confidence, which gave a new impetus to the advancement of trade and economic relations and relations in energy and other areas. Ambassador Avgoustides contributed actively to the signing of important bilateral documents between the two countries' social ministries and national social security institutions," the President added.

"Traditionally, Cyprus regards Bulgaria as an important strategic partner. We share common goals, common tasks and common hopes. It is very important to promote person-to-person contacts," the diplomat said.