The Kingdom of Spain is an important partner and ally of Bulgaria, with which we share relations of constructive political dialogue and deepening commercial and economic relations. This was stated by President Rumen Radev, who today awarded the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain, H.E. Alejandro Polanco Mata, with the Madara Horseman Order, first class, for the diplomat's particularly great merits for the development of bilateral political dialogue and the promotion of economic and cultural exchange. Vice President Iliana Iotova also took part in the event.
In his speech at the solemn ceremony, the head of state highlighted the efforts of Ambassador Mata to intensify bilateral relations, including participating in the organisation of the first official visit of a Bulgarian president to the Kingdom of Spain in 23 years in 2022. The President recalled that relations between Spain and Bulgaria are more than 110 years old, and the mandate of the ambassador Mata had been instrumental in expanding bilateral cooperation in the economy, science, education, culture and tourism.
As an example of the successful partnership in the field of security and defence, Rumen Radev singled out the participation of a Spanish military contingent in the enhanced protection of the Bulgarian airspace, which has also contributed to increasing the interoperability of the Bulgarian Air Force with our allies. The head of state thanked the diplomat for his efforts to ensure that this country receives principled and consistent support from the Kingdom of Spain for its accession to the Schengen area.
The cooperation between the Antarctic expeditions of Spain and Bulgaria and the initiative of the Bulgarian polar explorers to name the Peak of Livingstone Island after Ambassador Mata was also highlighted by the President.
Ambassador Mata thanked for the honour and received the highest state award and noted the positive political, social and economic changes he observed in Bulgaria during his tenure in this country. In this regard, Alejandro Polanco Mata emphasised the importance of the presidential institution and its crucial role in these changes. We have excellent relations with the Bulgarian institutions at the local and national level. The presidency comes to the fore in this context. The Vice President of the Republic has always shown a significant interest in all spheres that have relations with Spain. I felt appreciated and loved and had the great pleasure of getting to know this wonderful country with a bright future, said Ambassador Mata.