site.btaPresident Radev Says Notre-Dame Restoration Symbolizes Europe's Resilience to Crises

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev Saturday told reporters that the reopening of the restored Notre-Dame Cathedral brought together leaders from all over the world, and stressed that this is the great role of Christianity - to engage and unite. He is in Paris for the ceremony at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.

In Radev's words, the cathedral is a symbol of European culture, history and tradition, and its successful and impressive restoration embodies Europe's resilience to crises. "We are indeed part of this process," the President said, recalling that Bulgarians have contributed to the restoration. This shows that Bulgaria has always been an integral part of European history and culture and of European solidarity, he added.

Radev thanked the French President for the opportunity to reopen together one of the symbols of Christianity.

He said that while no bilateral meetings have been scheduled during this event, any talks are possible within its framework. The future of a united Europe is unthinkable without respect for, and preservation of, the Christian and cultural heritage of the Old Continent, the President added.

He is scheduled to meet with the Council of Europe's Secretary General Alain Berset in Strasbourg to discuss the role of the oldest European political organization to protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law in European countries. According to Radev, this remains a challenge in Bulgaria's region.