Bulgaria, France Mark 145 Years of Diplomatic Relations

Yoana Vodenicharova

Bulgarian Vice President Iliana Iotova (left) and France’s Ambassador Joel Meyer, Sofia, September 17, 2024 (BTA Photo/Nikola Uzunov)

Sofia,

17.09.2024 23:43

(BTA)

The French Embassy in Sofia Tuesday hosted a cocktail reception to mark 145 years of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and France. The event was attended by the Bulgarian Vice President, Iliana Iotova, France’s Ambassador to this country Joel Meyer, French Senate Vice President and President of the France-Bulgaria Friendship Group Loic Herve, French Senator Olivier Cadic representing the French living abroad, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev, Bulgarian MPs, politicians, and business representatives.

Addressing the attendees, Iotova said that "this date has a special significance for us, Bulgarians". "When we think of the start of these relations, we always recall the beginnings of the new Bulgarian state. The deliverance of a people who just received their freedom after five centuries of slavery and the confidence of having their own country again. It was back on the European political map," she added.

The Vice President noted that France was among the first countries to recognize the Principality of Bulgaria as an equal after the liberation from Ottoman rule. She said that at present France is one of the driving forces of the European Union, adding that it is developing good relations with Bulgaria. "I would like to highlight that France is among Bulgaria's leading trade and economic partners today," Iotova said.

Ambassador Joel Meyer said that this day also marks the 16th anniversary of the signing of a roadmap for strategic partnership between the two countries, which, in his words, France would like to update.

Meyer also recalled that Bulgaria was one of the first countries to respond to France’s request for foreign security assistance during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris this summer. Some 40 Bulgarian police officers helped with maintaining order during the sporting event in the French capital, he said.

/VE/