The strategic partnership between Bulgaria and Greece is an achievement of our two countries, which we can take pride in because it is an invaluable contribution to the European architecture for peace, stability and prosperity. This is what President Rumen Radev said at the ceremony of awarding the Greek ambassador to Bulgaria Grigorios Vassiloconstandakis with the Stara Planina first degree order. The diplomat, whose mandate in our country is ending in October, was conferred the highest state award for his contribution to the development of the relations and cooperation between Bulgaria and Greece.

During the ceremony held in the coat-of-arms hall President Rumen Radev noted the trend in the bilateral relations of improving the quality indicators in trade, energy, investments, tourism and also the spiritual and cultural closeness between the two countries.

The relations between Bulgaria and Greece are evidence how strategic partnership can be built in the Balkans in the spirit of mutual trust and strong political, economic, cultural and education ties between the countries can be developed, Rumen Radev said. He added that with his professional dedication and activity, Ambassador Grigorios Vassiloconstandakis has contributed to strengthening the excellent relations between our countries.

Ambassador Vassiloconstandakis thanked for the honor he has to be conferred the state order. The diplomat highlighted the cooperation between Bulgaria and Greece as an invaluable factor for common prosperity and peace in the region. “With the end of my mandate approaching, I recall the fond memories I have of Strandzha, the Black Sea, of the heart of Bulgaria in Veliko Turnovo and Arbansi, of Elena, Karlovo, the beautiful scenes of the Rhodopi mountains, the history of Pleven, Plovdiv and Ruse,” Ambassador Vassiloconstandakis said.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps in Bulgaria and of the executive and legislative branch of government.