A state of national emergency has been declared in New Zealand to assist in the response to Cyclone Gabrielle

On April 5, Bulgarians and Australians celebrated, at the invitation of our Embassy in the capital Canberra, the half-century anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Commonwealth of Australian and the Republic of Bulgaria. The emblematic National Carillon, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, was illuminated with the colors of the Bulgarian tricolor.

On the occasion of Australia Day the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria H.E. Ms Teodora Genchovska sent a congratulatory letter to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia H.E. Senator the Hon Marise Payne. Minister Genchovska pointed out that Australia is a dear friend and important partner of Bulgaria and expressed satisfaction with the stable development of the relations between the two countries, which celebrate this year the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. The Bulgarian Foreign Minister highlighted also the role of the Bulgarian community in Australia as a powerful engine for the development of the friendly relations between both nations.

In 2022 we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Australia. This is an important milestone in our political dialogue, in our trade and economic cooperation and the cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

The ACT government has announced a 7 day lock-down as of 5 pm today.

Bulgarians in Adelaide held their fourth "Hello" Festival. The day successfully attracted Australians of all origins by including many dances and songs from the Homeland, in addition to showcasing traditional souvenirs, promotional materials (some of which provided by the Embassy), as well as a number of national dishes prepared by our compatriots.

In a congratulatory letter on the occasion of Waitangi Day the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria Ekaterina Zaharieva has expressed her readiness to work closely with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand Hon Nanaia Mahuta