News - United Kingdom, London, Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria

The Embassy of Bulgaria in London marked with an official reception the 148th anniversary of the Liberation of Bulgaria and the restoration of Bulgarian statehood. This year is particularly significant for the Bulgarian people, as it also marks 150 years since the heroic epic of the April Uprising.

The event was attended by representatives of the British Parliament, the Foreign Office, and other British ministries, the diplomatic corps, as well as representatives of the Bulgarian community, non-governmental organisations, business, academic, and cultural circles.

Among the official guests were Mr. James Asser, member of the House of Commons and Chairman of the Friendship Group with Bulgaria; Lord Philip Smith, member of the House of Lords and Deputy Chairman of the Friendship Group with Bulgaria; Sir John Whittingdale, member of the House of Commons, and Mr. Alistair Harrison, Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps.

A special guest at the reception was Mr. Francis Gladstone, great-grandson of the British statesman William Gladstone, who raised a strong voice in support of the Bulgarian cause.

The event opened with the performance of the national anthems of the Republic of Bulgaria and the United Kingdom. Ambassador Tihomir Stoytchev, Mr. James Asser, and Lord Philip Smith addressed the attendees with welcoming remarks.