Bulgaria and the Netherlands are united by a common desire to build a peaceful and prosperous Europe and share a common responsibility for global stability and security, which they actively work towards. This was stated by Head of State Rumen Radev at a ceremony at the presidential building, where he awarded H. E. Simon van der Burg, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bulgaria, with the Order of the Madara Horseman, First Class. The highest state honour was awarded to the diplomat for his outstanding contributions to the strengthening and development of bilateral relations.
In his speech, the president stressed the relationship between the two countries, based on friendship, mutual trust, and respect, as well as shared interests and values within the EU, NATO, the UN, and other international formats. Radev also pointed out that the bilateral political dialogue is characterised by high intensity and a desire on both sides to deepen and strengthen cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.
The Head of State highlighted the active and consistent work of Ambassador Simon van der Burg for the development of Bulgarian-Dutch relations, emphasising the deepening of trade, economic, and investment cooperation. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is an important economic partner and a leading investor in Bulgaria, Rumen Radev said, adding that Dutch investments in Bulgaria will exceed EUR 7.5 billion by 2024. In this regard, the head of state expressed his gratitude for the diplomat's work aimed at promoting Dutch investment opportunities in Bulgaria.
President Radev also pointed out Simon van der Burg's active role in strengthening cooperation and expert assistance from the Netherlands in improving border control and security at the EU's external borders, cooperation in the field of justice, police cooperation, and the fight against illegal trafficking. The Head of State also highlighted the Dutch ambassador's commitment to developing relations between the two countries in the fields of education, science, culture, and research and development.
Ambassador Simon van der Burg expressed his gratitude for the honour of being awarded the state distinction. He noted the excellent cooperation with the presidency and Bulgarian institutions and the active work in close cooperation between Bulgaria and the Netherlands in many areas in recent years. Among them, the diplomat mentioned our country's accession to Schengen, security within NATO, successful cooperation in the field of border control, the deepening of trade and economic relations and investments, and others. The ambassador noted the growing number of Dutch tourists and the flourishing cultural ties between the two countries.