Bulgaria and Armenia share excellent relations, sincere friendship and effective cooperation, built on the basis of long-standing cultural ties between our two peoples, who historically share a very common destiny. This was stated by President Rumen Radev, who honoured the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia, Armen Yedigarian, with the Order of the Hungarian Horseman, first class, for the diplomat's significant contribution to the strengthening of bilateral relations.
In his speech, Rumen Radev highlighted the consistent efforts of Ambassador Yedigarian for the development of bilateral cooperation and dialogue at a high political level, despite the difficulties arising from various regional and global crises. In 2022, Bulgaria and Armenia celebrated 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and in the same year, at the invitation of the head of state Rumen Radev, the president of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturian, visited our country. During the visit, a Joint Declaration on the bilateral relations between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Armenia was signed.
The head of state also noted the positive development in trade and economic relations during the Armenian Ambassador's tenure. From 2022, exports from Bulgaria to Armenia has increased by more than 50% compared to 2021, and the trend of increasing bilateral trade is still being maintained, said Rumen Radev. The opening of a permanent air line between Yerevan and Sofia and the signing of the Protocol on the establishment of a Bulgarian-Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Economy have had a favourable effect on the promotion of commercial and economic exchange.
Trade and economic cooperation between Bulgaria and Armenia has an undoubted potential for development, especially in the context of the expansion of relations between Asia and Europe - in terms of transport, energy, digital connectivity and promotion of people-to-people contacts, said Rumen Radev and noted the significant role of the joint participation in a number of infrastructure projects. The President also noted the partnership in areas such as science, education and culture, which during Ambassador Yedigarian tenure, were upgraded with the signing and updating of a number of programs and documents. The signing of an important memorandum in the field of high technologies, scientific exchange and research and development activity is imminent, Rumen Radev also said.
Ambassador Armen Yedigarian thanked for the honour and the highest state award received. The diplomat noted that the Armenian community in Bulgaria has contributed to the prosperity of the country and is a reliable bridge between the two countries. He added that Armenia and Bulgaria have achieved success in their efforts to continue the bilateral political dialogue without hindrance.