Bulgaria supports Armenia`s efforts to draw closer to European family 

ArmInfo. Bulgaria highly values the developing partnership between the European Union and Armenia and supports efforts to bring Armenia closer to the European family through expanded cooperation, reforms, and people-to-people contacts. This was stated by Bulgarian Ambassador to Armenia Nikola Nikolov at a reception marking the country's National Day.

In his welcoming speech, the diplomat recalled that March 3rd  symbolizes freedom, statehood, and historical memory for the  Bulgarian people. On this day in 1878, Bulgaria regained its  independence after nearly five centuries of Ottoman rule.

Nikolov noted that March 3rd symbolizes the Bulgarian people's  enduring aspiration for freedom, dignity, and the right to determine  their own future-values that remain at the core of our national  identity and foreign policy today. The diplomat emphasized that  Bulgaria firmly believes in multilateralism, dialogue, and  international cooperation as the foundations of peace, security, and  sustainable development. He said that as an active member of the  European Union and NATO, Bulgaria makes a significant contribution to  strengthening stability and connectivity in our region, promoting  common European values based on democracy, the rule of law, and  respect for human rights.

"In this context, I would like to emphasize the importance Bulgaria  attaches to its relations with the Republic of Armenia. Our two  countries are bound by long-standing historical, cultural, and  spiritual ties, as well as a tradition of mutual respect and  friendship. Bulgaria highly values the developing partnership between  the EU and Armenia and supports efforts to bring Armenia closer to  the European family through expanded cooperation, reforms, and  people-to-people contacts. I am confident that there is significant  potential for further deepening Bulgarian-Armenian relations,  including in the areas of trade and investment, education, culture,  innovation, and tourism," he said. In this regard, he emphasized  Bulgaria's readiness to share its experience of EU membership and to  make a constructive contribution to Armenia's interaction with the  EU.

For his part, Armenia's First Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry,  Gevorg Mantashyan, noted that the Armenian side attaches importance  to developing and strengthening relations with Bulgaria and  intensifying political dialogue.

"We are ready to take practical steps to expand and strengthen our  agenda both bilaterally and multilaterally, raising bilateral  relations to a qualitatively new level," the Armenian official noted.

He added that the intensification of reciprocal visits at various  levels in recent years has given new impetus to bilateral relations.  The Armenian official also expressed interest in continuing dialogue  in the defense and energy sectors, exploring opportunities for  bilateral cooperation in regional logistics projects, and thanked  Bulgaria for its support of Armenia's European agenda.

The event was attended by foreign diplomats accredited in Armenia,  public and political figures, and representatives of the cultural and  media sectors.