Deputy Minister Hristo Polenakov Holds Farewell Meeting with Canada's Ambassador to Bulgaria Gavin Buchan
04 June 2026 News
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hristo Polenakov held a farewell meeting today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Ambassador of Canada to Bulgaria, Gavin Buchan, resident in Bucharest, whose mandate is due to conclude in the summer of 2026.
A key focus of the discussion was the celebration this year of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Canada, which provides an excellent opportunity for further deepening bilateral cooperation and enhancing high-level political dialogue.
Deputy Minister Polenakov highly commended bilateral relations and underlined that Bulgaria regards Canada as a priority foreign policy partner and a trusted Ally within NATO. In this context, the two sides noted the considerable potential for expanding and strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation in key areas such as security and defence, energy, trade and investment. Innovation, artificial intelligence, education, science and culture were also highlighted as priority areas for further development.
The important role of the sizeable Bulgarian community in Canada was also noted. Well integrated into Canadian society, it continues to make an active contribution to the country's cultural diversity and economic development.
A shared interest was also expressed in the establishment of a Canadian embassy in Bulgaria in the near future, which would provide an additional impetus to bilateral trade and economic relations.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Deputy Minister Polenakov thanked Ambassador Buchan for his efforts and contribution to the development of Bulgarian-Canadian relations and wished him every success in his future professional endeavours.