When asymmetric actions are applied to our country, we should expand our diplomatic toolset to protect national interests and, above all, the rights of our compatriots abroad, the president says on the occasion of the Day of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Service

The history of Bulgarian foreign policy unequivocally indicates that success accompanied our diplomacy when it was not subject to narrow party interests, when it followed clearly formulated and accepted by consensus national goals and ideals, when professionalism, not party loyalty, was the main criterion for career development. This was stated by President Rumen Radev on the occasion of the Day of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Service, which is celebrated on July 19. The event, which was held at the Boyana Residence and hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev, was attended by Vice President Iliana Iotova. Among the guests were Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, European Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, representatives of the executive branch, MPs, Bulgarian diplomats and representatives of the diplomatic corps in Bulgaria.

In his greeting, the President highlighted the high dynamics of geopolitical processes and the complicated security environment, the fierce economic competition, the rapid penetration of technology and artificial intelligence into many spheres of human activity, the progressive offensive against human rights and democracy in a number of regions of the world, which face diplomacy with a number of challenges. In the words of Rumen Radev, this also increases the requirements for Bulgarian foreign policy and Bulgarian diplomats to strengthen the authority and strengthen the voice and role of Bulgaria in the unions and organizations of which it is a member.
 
The head of state called on our diplomats to be equally active in trade and economics for our country, to defend the rights and interests of Bulgarian communities abroad, to analyse, initiate and communicate Bulgaria's foreign policy. And above all, to achieve its goals as set out in the Constitution - for the national security and independence of the country, the well-being, fundamental rights and freedoms of Bulgarian citizens, as well as to contribute to achieving a just international order, the president stressed. Rumen Radev added that the implementation of these goals requires the pooling of all diplomatic efforts that strengthen Bulgaria's role on the international stage.
 
The effectiveness of foreign policy will also depend on how we follow the principles of professionalism and continuity in its development, said President Radev, emphasising that this requires interaction between all institutions, as well as political and public consensus on important foreign policy topics. The Head of State added that this is the criterion for establishing a long-term and sustainable framework for Bulgarian foreign policy and expressed his expectation for the manifestation of national responsibility and reason in its formulation and implementation.
 
The President called on Bulgaria's membership in Schengen and the Eurozone not to be viewed as a one-time achievement that can be written off, since both instruments should lead to Bulgarians living better and more securely. A lot of work is still required, aimed at economizing our foreign policy, related to attracting investments, stimulating and supporting Bulgarian exports, and promoting our country, noted Rumen Radev. The Head of State also pointed out that our country's membership in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development should not be pursued solely for image benefits, but above all for the deep reforms on the path to achieving this goal. Reforms that will make our economy and our social systems much more efficient and competitive, the president pointed out.
 
The head of state also highlighted the importance of the economy as a priority in the work of Bulgarian diplomats against the backdrop of increasingly fierce trade wars. In this regard, he reminded that the EU is developing directions regarding the diversification of trade relations. Unfortunately, for various reasons, over the years our country has withdrawn from important regions in which we had a strong political, diplomatic and economic presence, said the president, pointing to North Africa, the Middle East, Central and East Asia, and Latin America. I hope that in line with the new European policy, we will begin to return there with diplomacy, initiatives, and financial and economic approaches, said Rumen Radev.
 
Regarding the security environment, the Head of State expressed gratitude to the diplomats for their work in developing the defence capacity of our country, in strengthening the common defence potential within NATO and the EU security system. I expect even greater activity and a stronger role of Bulgarian diplomacy in all international formats aimed at a ceasefire in these active zones around us, achieving a just peace and returning international relations to the basis of international law, Radev said.
 
The President also highlighted the significant role of Bulgaria as the main driver of European integration in the Western Balkans. This is a contribution to the consolidation of the common European space of security, stability and prosperity, he said, but he also expressed the expectation that our country will not deviate from the most important criterion in this process, namely the enlargement of the EU based on the candidate countries' own merits. Therefore, complete unity between the institutions is necessary, and when asymmetric actions are applied to our country, diplomacy should expand its toolkit for influence, so that we protect our national interest and, above all, the rights of our compatriots abroad, the head of state emphasised.
 
In his greeting, the President congratulated our diplomats for their work and expressed gratitude for the active efforts they make, despite the objective difficulties they encounter. I believe that the government's determination to improve your working conditions will be put into action and will not be a one-time act, said Rumen Radev adding that their work is extremely important for our national security and prosperity. A small investment in you has a huge effect on all spheres of activity of our country and society, precisely here, in Bulgaria, the President concluded.