A commemorative stamp dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Bulgaria's NATO membership was validated at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
09 December 2024 News
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivan Kondov, Minister of Transport and Communications Krasimira Stoyanova and Minister of Defence Atanas Zapryanov validated a commemorative postage stamp dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Bulgaria’s membership in NATO at an official ceremony held today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the presence of Bulgarian politicians, diplomats and public figures with important contributions to Bulgaria’s membership in the Alliance, and ambassadors and diplomats from the embassies of NATO member states in Sofia.
In his welcoming speech Ivan Kondov said that the jubilee stamp is a symbol of Bulgaria's cooperation and unity with NATO countries. ‘The postage stamp was printed not only in honour of this significant anniversary for our modern history, but also as a symbol of our readiness to continue strengthening our membership and active participation in NATO, to work for collective security and to be part of the decisions that shape the future of Europe and the world’, he stressed, adding that 20 years ago our country made the civilizational choice to belong to a family of countries that is united by democratic values and by concern for the security and prosperity of each country.
‘In 2004 Bulgaria set foot on the path of Euro-Atlantic integration and confidently joined the ranks of NATO. This act has not only made us an integral part of the global system of stability, security, cooperation and mutual assistance, but has also become a symbol of our enduring commitment to peace and democracy’, our first diplomat said. In his words, the anniversary, which we celebrate with the validation of the jubilee stamp, represents an important milestone in the history of Bulgaria and is a reason for pride in what we have achieved. ‘It is also an occasion to recall with gratitude all the efforts made over the years by a number of governments, institutions, politicians and civil society organisations that have worked for the realisation of this strategic goal for Bulgaria’, Minister Kondov further pointed out.
Minister of Defence Atanas Zapryanov stressed that in its long history Bulgaria has been a member of various military-political alliances, but for the first time our country is in one in which it feels fully entitled, which is built on values and is a guarantor of our military security, territorial integrity and independence.
‘A stamp crosses borders and travels through time. I am confident that today’s stamp will reach Bulgarians, regardless of where they choose to live, and our friends and allies to express our will that together we are stronger’, Minister of Transport and Communications Krasimira Stoyanova underlined in her address.
The philatelic product depicts the logo of the National Programme of Initiatives to mark in 2024 the 20th anniversary of Bulgaria’s membership in NATO, and its slogan ‘NATO: Because we are stronger together.’ The commemorative stamp was designed jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Bulgarian Posts EAD and the Specialized "Bulgarian Philately and Numismatics” Division.
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