The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Sovereign Order of Malta, Kostadin Kodzhabashev, presented his credentials to the Prince and Grand Master, Fra John Dunlap on 5 December 2023
13 December 2023 News
On 5 December 2023, Ambassador Kostadin Kodzhabashev presented his credentials to the Prince and Grand Master, Fra John Dunlap, at the Magistral Palace. In the course of the 20-minute conversation that followed, the Bulgarian Ambassador conveyed warmest greetings from the President, Mr. Rumen Radev. He briefly presented the main achievements of our country and its cultural and historical richness, and stressed his desire to work to intensify bilateral dialogue with the Sovereign Order of Malta in areas of mutual interest. Issues of bilateral relations between Bulgaria and the Order of Malta, their upward development, the exchanged visits, as well as the active humanitarian activities of the Order were discussed. Ambassador Kodzhabashev highlighted the very good relations between Bulgaria and the Order, as well as the diplomatic ones, which are approaching their third decade. He expressed his appreciation for the humanitarian activities developed by the Order of Malta through the Embassy of the Order in Sofia.
The Prince and Grand Master thanked for the good words regarding the activities of the Embassy in Sofia and expressed his desire for further upward development of the bilateral dialogue. He pointed out that for him Bulgaria is a bridge between Eastern and Western Europe, a spiritual crossroads, a land with ancient Christian roots where different cultures and civilizations are concentrated.
Ambassador Kodzhabashev noted that next year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In this regard, he proposed that this anniversary be celebrated in a fitting manner by combining it with the expected visit of the President of Bulgaria, Mr. R. Radev, in Rome to commemorate 24 May, the feast of St. Cyril and Methodius.
The Prince and Grand Master endorsed the idea and confirmed the Order's wish that the anniversary be celebrated appropriately.
At the end of the meeting, cooperation on new security challenges in Europe and the world, was discussed. Emphasis was put on the extremely serious situation in Palestine and Israel, as well as on Russia's war against Ukraine.
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