site.btaWorld Leaders Extend Congratulations to Bulgaria on National Day

State leaders from around the world sent greetings to President Rumen Radev on the occasion of Bulgaria's National Day addressed, the President’s press secretariat said on Monday.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres congratulated Bulgarians on the holiday, noting that in the face of global challenges, the international community is confronted with an increasing number of trials that require multilateral solutions. He stressed the need to strengthen peace, sustainable development, and human rights.

President of the United States of America Donald Trump extended congratulations on behalf of the American people for Bulgaria's National Day on March 3, wishing the Bulgarian people happiness and prosperity. He noted that the United States and Bulgaria share a long history of working together as friends and allies. Trump highlighted Bulgaria’s role as a valuable partner, working alongside the United States of America to advance efforts for a sustainable end to the war in Ukraine and to ensure secure, reliable, and affordable energy supplies.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also extended congratulations to Bulgaria in a statement published on the Department of State’s website. He highlighted the longstanding diplomatic ties between the two nations and emphasized the importance of energy cooperation, particularly Bulgaria’s adoption of American-designed nuclear technology to improve energy security. He also underscored Bulgaria’s defence modernization efforts and its contribution to NATO, reinforcing collective security.

In his message for Bulgaria’s National Day, King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland expressed satisfaction with the strong ties shared by the two countries and looked forward to further strengthening friendly relations. He said that he and his wife were pleased to extend their best wishes to President Radev and all Bulgarians for the year ahead.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier extended his congratulations to the Bulgarian people on March 3, speaking on his own behalf and that of his fellow citizens. He noted that the friendly ties between Germany and Bulgaria, especially the various direct connections between their citizens, play a crucial role in strengthening the European community. Steinmeier mentioned that bilateral relations can now be further improved following Bulgaria’s full accession to the Schengen Area. He also highlighted the importance of solidarity in maintaining shared democratic values and security within the European Union and NATO, given the current geopolitical situation.

Irish President Michael Higgins, in his greeting, wished peace, prosperity, and happiness to the Bulgarian people.

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen highlighted the longstanding bilateral relations between Austria and Bulgaria as reliable partners in the EU. He noted that these relations entered a productive phase this year following the opening of the Austrian Cultural Forum in Sofia in January. Against the backdrop of current geopolitical challenges facing Europe and the world, Van der Bellen stressed the importance of remaining united and committed to shared values to contribute together to a peaceful future for both countries, Europe, and beyond.

In his congratulatory address, King Philippe of Belgium emphasized the importance of close cooperation between Bulgaria and Belgium and extended his best wishes for the prosperity of the Bulgarian people.

For the holiday, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden sent his best wishes for the well-being of the Bulgarian people and extended his personal wishes to President Rumen Radev for success and fulfilment.

Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok said that the historical and cultural ties between Bulgaria and Hungary provide a solid foundation for the further development of bilateral cooperation. He added that Bulgaria’s successful accession to the Schengen Area would give additional momentum to their partnership, facilitating deeper economic and human interactions.

In his greeting to Bulgarians, Czech President Petr Pavel pointed out that bilateral relations between the Czech Republic and Bulgaria, based on traditional friendship and shared values, would continue to develop in areas of mutual interest.

Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar expressed wishes for peace and prosperity to Bulgarians. She said that Slovenia and Bulgaria have deep and friendly relations as well as constructive cooperation on bilateral, regional, and international levels, supported by their partnership in the EU and NATO. She also recalled her visit to Bulgaria last year at the invitation of President Radev, which confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening relations and cooperation in various fields.

Ilie Bolojan, acting president of Romania, sent wishes for peace and prosperity to Bulgarians. He expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to develop in a spirit of mutual trust, friendship, and good neighbourliness. He also noted that the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and Romania, formalized by President Radev’s signing of a declaration two years ago, as well as their joint commitments as EU and NATO partners, would contribute to addressing regional and global challenges for ensuring security and prosperity for their citizens.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said that Serbia highly values its cooperation with Bulgaria and wishes to see it continue with high intensity and the same spirit of mutual understanding and respect in the interest of their citizens. He emphasized that deepening good neighbourly relations contributes to ensuring stability and progress for both countries and for the region as a whole.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev noted that the high-level political relations and active dialogue between Bulgaria and Azerbaijan provide a strong foundation for further expanding cooperation in all areas. He highlighted that their bilateral relations, built on solid traditions and a partnership based on mutual trust and support, strengthen each year and gain new substance. Aliyev expressed confidence in the success of their joint efforts to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in the spirit of the Joint Declaration on Strengthening the Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Bulgaria, signed by the two presidents in May last year.

In his congratulatory message Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said that the good friendship between Egypt and Bulgaria has been steadily strengthening over the past decades. He added that through joint efforts, bilateral cooperation can be further expanded in several areas of mutual interest.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas wished the friendly people of Bulgaria progress and prosperity. He also expressed readiness for bilateral relations to continue growing and developing.

Acting President of the Republic of Korea Choi Sang-mok noted in his congratulatory address to Radev that the Republic of Korea and Bulgaria have built strong cooperative ties. In the context of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, celebrated this year, he highlighted the potential for further development of bilateral relations and the strengthening of friendly ties between their peoples.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev wished Bulgaria continued development in a spirit of unity and solidarity. He expressed confidence that relations between Kazakhstan and Bulgaria, based on friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, would continue to expand in the future.

King Rama X of Thailand congratulated Bulgarians on their National Day and highlighted the potential for deepening and further developing joint efforts in investment, trade, tourism, and technology.

Congratulatory messages to President Rumen Radev on the occasion of March 3 were also sent by Japanese Emperor Naruhito, President of Chad Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow, President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and other heads of state.

President Rumen Radev will review the honour guard of the Bulgarian Army at 18:30 in front of the National Assembly Square during the ceremonial fireworks display marking the National Day. At 18:40, the head of state will deliver a speech. Vice President Iliana Iotova will also participate in the ceremony.