On March 9th, 2020, on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the foundation of the Finnish-Bulgarian Friendship Association, a ceremony of decoration with certificates of honour, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Helsinki. During the event three distinguished members of the Association were decorated for their long-term contribution and merits for the promotion of the positive image of Bulgaria, the development of the Bulgarian-Finnish relations, the friendly ties between the two countries and for their assistance for the spread of the Bulgarian culture:

• Ms Maija Boshkov, Secretary of the Association Board;
• Ms Maj-Lis Lehessalo, Member of the Association Board;
• Mr Kari Helaseppä, Second Deputy-Chairman of the Association (2016-2019).

Ambassador Martin Ivanov and the awarded members of the Association made brief speeches. Mr. Tapani Salonen, Chairman of the Association, Mr. Ilkko Suvilehto, Editor-in-Chief of the Association’s magazine and the staff of the Bulgarian Embassy took part in the ceremony.