Velislava Petrova: Diplomacy Is the First Line of Defence of Our National Interests on the International Stage
20 July 2026 News
Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova delivered an address to mark the Day of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Service at a formal reception held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was attended by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mihaela Dotsova, Deputy Prime Ministers, ministers, Members of Parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps, diplomats and Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff, as well as members of the judiciary, journalists and public figures.
Minister Petrova recalled the role of the diplomatic service as an important pillar of Bulgarian statehood during key periods in the country’s history. She emphasised that it had been, and continued to be, the first line of defence of Bulgaria’s national interests on the international stage.
She noted that the contemporary international environment was presenting diplomatic services around the world with increasingly complex challenges. According to the Minister, Bulgaria would continue to be an active and responsible member of the European Union and NATO, seeking not merely to participate, but to contribute actively to the unity and stability of both alliances, as well as to the connectivity, development and security of the region.
Among the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ leading priorities, Minister Petrova highlighted the development of economic diplomacy, the modernisation of consular services, and support for Bulgarian citizens and businesses. She stated that the diplomatic service should create opportunities for young people and businesses and protect the rights of Bulgarian communities around the world.
Minister Petrova thanked Bulgaria’s diplomats and Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff, noting their important role in safeguarding the country’s national interests, developing partnerships and building trust in Bulgaria.
The Foreign Minister placed particular emphasis on cultural diplomacy and on the contribution made by Bulgarian artists, scholars and athletes to strengthening the country’s positive image worldwide. “It is particularly symbolic that The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices and the Plamache Representative Dance Ensemble are with us this evening. Through their art, they present the richness of Bulgarian culture to the world and remind us that national identity and cultural heritage are powerful instruments of modern diplomacy and an inexhaustible source of national pride,” Bulgaria’s chief diplomat added.
In this context, Minister Petrova presented The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Honorary Certificate in recognition of their work and unique talent. She also stressed that the ensemble had become an emblem of Bulgarian musical culture around the world. According to the Minister, support for Bulgaria’s natural ambassadors would become a permanent Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiative.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Mihaela Dotsova, also delivered an address to mark the occasion. She thanked Bulgarian diplomats for their dedicated service and emphasised the importance of their professionalism and commitment in today’s complex international environment.
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