The development of the relations with Brazil is a long-term priority of the Bulgarian foreign policy in the region of Latin America. This is what President Rumen Radev said at the ceremony of awarding the Brazilian ambassador to Bulgaria Ana Maria Sampaio Fernandes the Madara Horseman first degree Order at 2 Dondukov street. The diplomat, whose mandate in the country is ending, received the state award for her great contribution to strengthening and developing the relations between Bulgaria and Brazil.
During the ceremony held in the coat-of-arms hall, Head of State Rumen Radev noted Ambassador Sampaio’s role in the development of the traditionally friendly relations between Bulgaria and Brazil. We appreciate the highly active work of Ambassador Sampaio for intensifying the political contacts and for the good interaction vis-à-vis the two countries’ candidacies for membership in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the President said.
The Head of State highlighted the Brazilian diplomat’s contribution also to deepening the bilateral trade between Bulgaria and Brazil, the trade in 2018 increased by 80%. What also shows development is the negotiation-legal basis between the two countries in the sphere of economy, trade, science and technologies. Ambassador Sampaio’s rich professional experience and active work undoubtedly contributed to the development of the political relations, of bilateral trade and strengthening the business and cultural ties between our countries, the Head of State further said.
Ambassador Sampaio thanked for the honor and emphasized that she accepts the order as an award for the excellent relations between Brazil and Bulgaria in the past decades. The diplomat highlighted Bulgaria’s role in maintaining and promoting regional peace and prosperity. The two countries share common interests in the spheres of sustainable development, human rights and international peace. Bulgaria is a prestigious magnet for the Brazilian professional musicians and students in the sphere of classical music, the diplomat further said.
The ceremony was attended today by representatives of the diplomatic corps, the executive and legislative branch of government.