Bulgarians living in Croatia are an active part of the modern Croatian society, and they contribute to the better name and trust of Bulgaria. This is what President Rumen Radev told our compatriots in Zagreb. Today, as part of his official visit to Croatia, the Bulgarian Head of State, together with representatives of our community, honoured the work of Ivan Vazov in front of the bust-monument of the patriarch of Bulgarian literature, which is located on the Alley of Poets in Bundek Park.

 

Bulgaria and Croatia have centuries-old historical and spiritual ties, President Rumen Radev said after laying a wreath at the monument. The President stressed his gratitude to the Croatian people for the fact that in the most difficult years for Bulgaria - during the Ottoman rule, Bulgarians found a second homeland on Croatian soil. Rumen Radev pointed to the support of the Croatian people during the National Revival period and the Bulgarian national liberation movement, which contributed to the preservation of the Bulgarian identity and our freedom.

 

The Bulgarians in Croatia are the foundation of the cooperation between the two countries, Rumen Radev told our compatriots, noting the intensive political dialogue and the improvement of the economic indicators in the partnership between the two countries. The Bulgarian Head of State expressed appreciation for the efforts of the community to preserve the Bulgarian spirit and traditions.

Bulgarians in Croatia have a recognised status of a "national minority" and their number is around 300. The initiative for the erection of the monument to Ivan Vazov in the Croatian capital was taken by the Bulgarian embassy, and the construction and placement of the monument was financed by donations.

Earlier in the day, President Radev paid tribute at the Croatian Monument to the Motherland.