NEWS

President Iotova: Bulgaria and Greece Play an Increasingly Important Role in Europe’s Stability

The head of state awards the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to Bulgaria the Order of the Madara Horseman, First Class

In these difficult times, Bulgaria and Greece are playing an increasingly important role as guarantors of stability throughout Europe - from the security of the European Union’s external borders to the results of our joint projects. This was stated by President Iliana Iotova, who awarded H.E. Alexios Marios Lyberopoulos, the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to Bulgaria, the Order of the Madara Horseman, First Class.  The award, recognising the diplomat’s significant contribution to the strengthening and development of Bulgarian-Greek relations, was presented at a ceremony at 2 Dondukov Street.

In her speech, the head of state emphasised the spirit of friendship and mutual assistance between our two countries and in our diplomatic relations, which began in 1880. Today we are part of our great European family and NATO, but what matters most is how we build upon our bilateral partnership, noted Iliana Iotova. She highlighted the intensive cooperation on developing North-South connectivity and on joint projects in the fields of infrastructure, energy, defence, tourism, and culture. In this context, the president highlighted Ambassador Lyberopoulos’s efforts during his tenure to reinforce the importance of Greece and Bulgaria in Southeast Europe through the implementation of joint initiatives.

Greece has sent to Bulgaria a great friend of our country, who spared no effort or time to make our bilateral relations and contacts so intense and fruitful that we can serve as an example to many other countries, Iotova stressed. She also noted the diplomat’s efforts to bring the Greek and Bulgarian peoples closer together through joint cultural events, participation in conferences of great importance for the future of Southeast Europe, and, above all, his efforts to ensure that our position is heard among our European and global partners. The President also highlighted Ambassador Lyberopoulos’s active engagement with Bulgarian institutions and local authorities.

Alexios Marios Lyberopoulos expressed his gratitude for his collaboration with Iliana Iotova during her tenure as Vice President and President. The diplomat also highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Greece and Bulgaria and their continued development, as well as the two countries’ joint efforts in the fields of energy, transportation, infrastructure, and security. In his words, global challenges elevate the importance of strengthening these already excellent relations to an even higher level. It is extremely important, both bilaterally and regionally, for us to stand together and remain united, he concluded.