“Throughout the years many of our compatriots have sought a better future abroad. However I believe that no matter where you are, you remain forever connected with Bulgaria. I know how many efforts it took each one of you to succeed in a new land and only talented and resolute people achieve that, therefore your success in Portugal is also success for Bulgaria.” This is what Head of State Rumen Radev said, who talked with our compatriots living and working in Portugal in the Bulgarian embassy in Lisbon. The meeting was attended by teachers in the St. St Cyril and Methodius Sunday school, medical doctors, culture activists and tens of our compatriots. The legendary football player of Sporting Lisbon and Bulgaria’s national football team IvayloYordanov was among the guests.
The Head of State extended gratitude to our compatriots for the way they present their homeland. “Through the success you achieve in the spheres of culture, education, engineering and high technologies you win the trust of Portugal’s state leadership and the local business to invest in Bulgaria,” President Rumen Radev said.
“It is through people such as Mrs. Davidova and her team in the Bulgarian Sunday school and father Hristov, who upholds our Christian religion here, that Bulgaria lives in Portugal,” the Head of State further said.
Rumen Radev told the guests that our country is in the process of redefining its priorities and vision pertaining to the contacts and assistance it provides to the Bulgarian communities abroad. “This assistance should not be limited only to supporting Bulgarian churches and cultural associations because you deserve greater support regarding qualification, social and pension rights, and also the accessibility of the transport connections,” Rumen Radev further emphasized and assured our compatriots that the presidential institution is open to their proposals and ideas.
The meeting with our compatriots marked the end of President Rumen Radev’s state visit to Portugal.