Dramatic trials for humanity are an occasion to make a common call for peace and understanding, compassion and support for those in distress in areas of bloody military conflicts where innocent women and children continue to die every day and, sadly, human life has ceased to be a value. This is what Head of State Rumen Radev said at the Iftar dinner marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. Traditionally, every year the President hosts the event as a sign of respect for the importance of religious traditions and customs of Bulgarian citizens of Muslim faith.
Representatives of the Muslim and other traditional religious communities in Bulgaria, of the diplomatic corps in Bulgaria, figures from the sphere of spirituality, culture, education and science, and public figures were invited to the Iftar. The event was attended by Vice President Iliana Iotova, and the President was accompanied by his wife Desislava Radeva
In his address at the beginning of the solemn dinner, the Head of State said that the call for peace is a manifestation of responsibility towards the fate of the future generations, to whom we are obliged to bequeath a better world based on understanding. It is also our duty to educate young people in the spirit of mutual respect, tolerance and goodwill, the Head of State said, adding that this mission is a huge responsibility for the state institutions and our society as a whole, but especially for the leadership of the faiths in this country. The President expressed gratitude for their efforts to strengthen inter-religious dialogue and tolerance, inherited from our ancestors, of which our society is proud and our country is an example for the whole region.
Rumen Radev wished all Bulgarian Muslims, their families and loved ones health, peace and prosperity. The coming days and weeks are not only a time for fasting and prayer, for reflection, but also for humility and forgiveness, for mercy and alms, the President said, adding that understanding the meaning of spiritual food gives strength to humans in the pursuit of wisdom and spiritual uplift.
In his address, Grand Mufti Mustafa Alish Hadzi expressed gratitude to the presidential institution and the Head of State for hosting the Iftar dinner. The Bulgarian people are an example of tolerance and good coexistence, which is in contrast to what is happening globally, where wars are being fought on religious grounds, Mustafa Hadzi said, noting that although the Iftar dinner is organised annually, it is becoming more significant with each passing year.