News - Canada, Ottawa, Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria

On May 6, 2026 an official event was held in Ottawa in one of the city’s most remarkable buildings — the “Sir John A. Macdonald Building.” The event was jointly organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Ottawa and the Canada–Bulgaria Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group in the federal Parliament of Canada. It was launched to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Canada. The event was attended by members of the House of Commons and the Senate, representatives of Global Affairs Canada, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the Bulgarian community and friends of Bulgaria. According to the Bulgarian tradition of hospitality, the guests of the event were welcomed with Bulgarian traditional bread and colored salt.

In his speech on the occasion of the anniversary, the Bulgarian Ambassador H.E. Plamen Georgiev emphasized the strong partnership built over the years between Bulgaria and Canada, based on shared values such as democracy, human rights and the rule of law. He highlighted that, as close partners in key international organizations and NATO allies, the two countries enjoy mutual trust and a long-standing friendship with important cooperation built over the years in the areas of security and defense, energy diversification, trade and investment, innovation, science and technology. The Ambassador also underscored the role of the Bulgarian community in Canada in strengthening the ties between the two nations. In his speech, he emphasized the date on which the anniversary is celebrated – May 6 (St. George's Day) – the Day of the Bulgarian Army, highlighting in this context the great importance of the defense cooperation between Canada and Bulgaria in today’s rapidly changing and dynamic world.

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Canada a special congratulatory address from the President of the Republic of Bulgaria H.E. Iliana Yotova was solemnly read to the guests of the celebration. The personal congratulation of the Bulgarian President was received with great honour by the guests of the event.

Greetings to the guests were delivered by Ms. Giovanna Mingarelli, Member of Parliament and Co-Chair of the Canada–Bulgaria Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group in the federal Parliament of Canada; Senator Katherine Hay, Vice-Chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group; Mr. Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary at Global Affairs Canada and member of the Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group. In their remarks, the Canadian officials emphasized the close and friendly relations built over the years between Bulgaria and Canada and highlighted the importance of expanding and deepening the partnership between the two countries in key areas of mutual interest.

Mr. Anton Minkov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Community of the National Capital Region Ottawa-Gatineau, also welcomed the guests, emphasizing the role of Bulgarians in Canada in strengthening people-to-people contacts and in preserving and promoting the Bulgarian traditions and culture in Canada. He provided information about the many organizations of the Bulgarian diaspora in Canada, which has established schools, built churches and promotes Bulgarian culture and traditions through numerous dance formations in all major cities of Canada.

The official segment of the celebration was closed with remarks delivered by Ms. Sally Stefova-Valiant, Vice President of “International Armored Group” (“IAG”) - a Canadian defense company founded by the Bulgarian engineer Mr. Anton Stefov, which produces armored tactical and combat vehicles and now operates globally. She provided insights about the long journey of entrepreneurship, determination and precision that led to the launch and the successful expansion of the company on several continents. Today “IAG” has become a great example of the private entrepreneurship potential and the Canada-Bulgaria cooperation, which can lead to lasting and successful results for the countries on both sides of the Atlantic. Scale models of the armored vehicles were presented on site triggering both enhanced interest and pride for the modern high-tech production, by which the Bulgarian engineering potential has been well recognized and continues to contribute to the safety of the world.

The program continued with performances of Bulgarian folk dances by the groups “Izvorche” and “Vito Horo” from Ottawa, and “Bulgari” and “Viti Gaitani” from Montreal. A Bulgarian folk song was also performed by the “Orfeya” ensemble from Ottawa.

A large exhibition was also displayed featuring the impressive paintings of Bulgarian artist from Ottawa Mr. Vasko Delev, which alongside the performances of the folklore ensembles was an additional highlight of the enhanced cultural cooperation between Bulgaria and Canada in recent years.

Guests of the event had the opportunity to enjoy high-quality Bulgarian wines from typical Bulgarian grape varieties, specially delivered for the occasion, as well as to try traditional Bulgarian foods prepared by our compatriots from the National Capital Region Bulgarian Community.