The Bulgarian Diplomatic Service Celebrates 141st Anniversary
19 July 2020 News
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva congratulated the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Day of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Service.
“I would like to congratulate all colleagues on the Day of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Service!
Ever since its inauguration 141 years ago the Bulgarian diplomatic service has had as its goals the defense of the interests of the Bulgarian people and the wellbeing of Bulgaria. Bulgarian diplomacy has displayed great professionalism and boundless diligence in serving as the voice of Bulgarians around the world.
I would like to express my admiration for your extraordinary efforts in recent months. The spread of COVID-19 forced us to work in an unprecedented situation without any clear preset rules or protocols to follow.
I am grateful because we succeeded in meeting the public’s higher expectations of us in a very dynamic situation. We sometimes had to make decisions that would otherwise have taken days in a matter of minutes. We were able to help a number of compatriots to return home from many places around the world in the first weeks of the pandemic. Within a short period of time we created the most up-to-date and reliable source of information about measures against the coronavirus containing data about more than 90 countries. We demonstrated an exceptional capacity and worked together in close coordination even in the most difficult times. Regrettably, the crisis is not over and will not be over soon. I am sure that what we learned from it will make us stronger.
The past 12 months were special for the Bulgarian diplomatic service since it celebrated its 140th anniversary. I would like to thank everyone who took part in organizing the numerous events marking the anniversary, turning it into a true cause for celebration.
I wish all members of the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs great health and success and let us continue to contribute to Bulgaria’s good image around the world through our work!
I wish you a wonderful celebration!”