An official reception on the occasion of Independence Day was organized today at the Consulate General of Bulgaria in New York, BTA reported.
Official guests of the event were Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev, Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov, Minister of Health Silvi Kirilov, Minister of Labor and Social Policy Borislav Gutsanov and Minister of Justice Borislav Gutsanov.
The guests were welcomed and welcomed by the Consul General of Bulgaria in New York Angel Angelov.
Prime Minister Zhelyazkov noted that the greatest victories of the Bulgarians “were achieved not on the battlefield, but when our people were united in their aspiration and our beliefs.“
“In this way, we have achieved both unification and independence“, Zhelyazkov emphasized.
“In these glorious and bloodless times, the great importance of Bulgarian diplomacy stands out. Just as it successfully passes through the turbulent days of unification, so in the days surrounding independence, we win this victory of ours - our national self-confidence“, the Prime Minister emphasized.
“World cataclysms teach us that when the people are divided, everything loses its meaning“, Zhelyazkov also stated. He noted that although there are challenges again now, the lessons learned have their importance.
“When we are together, because we share the same values, such as those of humanism and democracy, then we have the fragile optimism that we will survive both as people and as a nation“, he added.
He also drew attention to the topic of the Bulgarian community in the United States.
“Bulgarians in the United States are a diaspora that has proven its resilience and stability and, above all, its contribution to the development of public relations, preserving its roots with Bulgaria“, he announced.
Zhelyazkov added that he believes that very soon the visa regime for Bulgarians to enter the United States will be abolished, since we have met the necessary criteria, and the number of visas denied is at a record low – 6% in 2024.
Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev said that he shares the government's efforts regarding the return to Bulgaria of our compatriots living abroad.
At the same time, however, he explained that everyone is valuable and contributes to the image of Bulgaria where they are.
„Bulgaria is popular for its culture, language and spirituality, but also for scientists and professionals, people who have achieved success in all spheres of academic and public life,“ Georgiev added.
„Bulgarians abroad are famous for their integrity and hard work. This is a historical diaspora that creates exceptional added value for relations with our largest strategic partner in the face of the USA,“ emphasized our Foreign Minister.
The Minister of Labor and Social Policy Borislav Gutsanov also spoke about the return of Bulgarians from abroad to Bulgaria and stated that the current government is actively working on the issue.
Traditionally, after the speeches of the guests in the hall, the Bulgarian anthem was played.