President Rumen Radev awarded the Croatian Ambassador to Bulgaria Lijerka Alajbeg the Madara Horseman order first degree. The diplomat was awarded the highest state honor for her contribution to promoting the political, economic and cultural cooperation between Bulgaria and Croatia.
“What lies at the basis of the friendly relations between Bulgaria and Croatia are the deep historical and cultural ties between our peoples and with her active work Ambassador Alajbeg gave a new impetus to the bilateral relations on all levels,” President Rumen Radev said at the ceremony held at the coat-of-arms hall at 2 Dondukov street.
The Head of State highlighted Lijerka Alajbeg’s efforts to expand the trade in the sphere of education, science and culture. What also contributed to strengthening the partnership between the two countries were the more active contacts between the local authorities, Rumen Radev added and provided an example of the construction of memorial monuments of personalities from Bulgaria’s and Croatia’s history in Zagreb and Sofia.
Our common goals and shared values also find expression in the efficient cooperation within the EU and NATO, the President said and recalled the full support our country received from Croatia for the priorities of the Bulgarian presidency of the Council of the EU.
The Bulgarian people and state are in my heart and Bulgaria will always be my second home, Ambassador Lijerka Alajbeg said and extended gratitude for the honor to be awarded with the highest state honor. I think it was very important to work with the young people because they should become a symbol of our cooperation and a guarantee of making it stronger, the Ambassador further said. Lijerka Alajbeg highlighted the important role and responsibility Bulgaria and Croatia have in the region and the assistance they provide to the European prospects of the neighboring countries.