News - USA, Chicago, Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria

Indiana State Senate unanimously adopted a resolution formally recognizing the strategic partnership between the Republic of Bulgaria and the State of Indiana. The resolution was introduced by Senator Rodric Bray, President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

The document underscores that Bulgaria and the United States are strategic allies within NATO, united by shared democratic values, commitments to collective security, and strong people-to-people ties. It highlights Indiana’s leadership in defense manufacturing, aerospace technologies, cybersecurity, advanced production, and research and development, as well as the opportunities to expand cooperation with Bulgaria in these strategic sectors.

“This resolution is not merely symbolic. It provides a clear political framework for deepening economic, defense, and scientific cooperation between Bulgaria and Indiana,” stated Svetoslav Stankov, Consul General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Chicago. “Indiana is among the leading industrial states in the United States, and Bulgaria is an active and reliable ally in the Euro-Atlantic community. The potential for partnership is substantial.”

The resolution places particular emphasis on the historic presence of the Bulgarian community in the state. As early as the beginning of the twentieth century, tens of thousands of Bulgarians from the geographic region of Macedonia settled in Indiana. In 1922, Macedonian Bulgarians founded the Macedonian Patriotic Organization (MPO) in Fort Wayne, and in 1927 began publishing Macedonian Tribune—one of the most influential Bulgarian-language newspapers in North America and an important archive of Bulgarian cultural heritage overseas.

“Recognizing Bulgarian heritage is not an act of formal courtesy, but an affirmation that historical memory carries institutional and strategic significance,” Consul General Svetoslav Stankov emphasized. “Bulgarian immigrants—including Macedonian Bulgarians—did not seek comfort; they sought liberty and constitutional order. Their loyalty to American institutions was a conscious choice grounded in shared values.”

During his visit to Indianapolis, Consul General Svetoslav Stankov held meetings with Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith, Secretary of State Diego Morales, and State Treasurer Daniel Elliott. Discussions focused on concrete opportunities to deepen economic, educational, and defense cooperation.

Consul General Svetoslav Stankov expressed his gratitude to Senator Rodric Bray, sponsor of the resolution, to Kristi Risk, to Anthony Ferraro from the Office of Governor Mike Braun, and to all members of the Senate for their support and respect toward the Bulgarian community.

Special appreciation was extended to representatives of the Bulgarian community in Indiana who attended the session, including Father Dimitar Angelov of St. Stephen Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Church in Indianapolis; Ralitsa Kolarova, President of the MPO “Damyan Gruev” chapter, and her son Nikolas; Tatiana Angelova, Director of the Bulgarian School; Vera Popov, longtime member of the MPO; Angel Todorov and Rumen Dimitrov, as well as his three-year-old daughter Emily—symbolizing the continuity between generations.

“This recognition belongs to all Bulgarians—including Macedonian Bulgarians—who for more than a century have contributed to the development of Indiana. We are proud of our heritage, and we are building the future together,” Consul General Svetoslav Stankov concluded.