On March 4, 2025 the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria was celebrated in the halls of the World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva with an official reception offered by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Bulgaria to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva and his spouse, jointly with Bulgaria’s representative at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The event was attended by senior officials of the UN, WIPO, WTO, the International Labor Organization and other international organizations headquartered in Geneva, heads and deputy heads of Permanent Missions of member states to the UN and the WTO, diplomats, Bulgarian citizens working in the UN and other international organizations, representatives of municipal and cantonal authorities, as well as Bulgarian communities in Geneva and Lausanne.

The Head of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Mission in Geneva, H.E. Ambassador Yuri Sterk, emphasized in his address to the attendees that March 3, 1878, marks a key moment in Bulgaria’s history, paving the way for the re-emergence of the Bulgarian state on the map of Europe; but it is also a day for reflection on our journey as a nation and the values ​​that unite us. On this date we honor the sacrifice of those who came before us and celebrate the progress we have made as a country. Ambassador Sterk highlighted the many challenges facing today the European Union and Bulgaria as member therof: Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East, multiple local and regional crises, climate change, illegal migration and attempts to undermine the multilateral system; he emphasized in this context the need to preserve strong transatlantic and EU security relations. Ambassador Sterk recalled Bulgaria's consistent and firm commitment to work with international partners in promoting just and lasting peace and security in Europe in accordance with the principles and rules of the UN Charter, to advance respect for human rights, achieve sustainable development and, in general, build a better world for all. The full text of the statement is available here.