site.btaToday's Observances: February 17-18

February 17

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1836: Sultan Mahmud of Ottoman Empire allows entrepreneur Dobri Zhelyazkov to build first textile factory in Bulgaria and Balkans.

1898: BTA issues first news bulletin.

1902: Elections are held for 12th National Assembly.

1941: Bulgaria and Turkey sign declaration of non-aggression, goodneighbourly relations and trade.

1947: Diplomatic relations with Belgium are restored; established December 11, 1879 at level of diplomatic agencies, promoted to embassy level November 6, 1964.

1983: World Students' Winter Games open in Sofia.

1990: Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria is set up.

1997: Council of Ministers adopts decision on Bulgaria's accession to NATO as full member. 

February 18

The world:

- National Day of The Gambia. Independence Day (1965).

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1909: Parliament approves Public Education Act.

1948: Diplomatic relations with Romania promoted to embassy level. Established July 21, 1879, at level of diplomatic agencies.

1992: Treaty of Understanding, Friendship and Cooperation with France signed in Paris by Presidents Zhelyu Zhelev and Francois Mitterrand.

1999: Parliament ratifies Framework Convention for Protection of National Minorities.