NEWS

Bulgaria and Portugal are united by their history, their rich cultural heritage and the inspiration of our peoples to work for a better future, stated President Rumen Radev today at Sofia University “Saint Kliment Ohridski”, where his wife Desislava Radeva and he were present at a speech on the topic of Europe – a Perspective for the Future given by the Head of State of Portugal. It is the second day of the official visit of Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at the invitation of the Bulgarian President. 

 

The President of the Portuguese Republic, a renowned professor and researcher with an academic career in the field of legal and political sciences was awarded the honourable title of Doctor Honoris Causa in the Aula of Sofia University. It is impressive to see a university professor with his deep knowledge contribute to contemporary politics in Europe, Mr. Rumen Radev noted.

 

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa emphasised that the gesture on behalf of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” means a lot to any representative of academia. He described democracy as freedom and rule of law. It is a constant challenge, requires a daily change for the better and our actions either improve or worsen its quality. “We must think of the future of Europe and meet the hopes of people. The future global position of the EU depends on its response to all challenges,” stated the Portuguese President in his speech.

 

Earlier in the day, Mr. Rumen Radev and Mr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa visited the national library “Saints Cyril and Methodius”. The two examined the Portugal in the Manuscripts and Old Books of the National Library exhibition, which includes three essays kept at the library: the 1732 Cihânnümâ (View of the World) by Kâtip Çelebi, the 1730 Ta?rihu?'l-Hindi'l-Garbi? el-mu?semma bi hadis-i nev (History of the West Indies) and the 1556 manuscript by Muhammad al-Idrisi Nuzhat al-musht?q f? ikhtir?q al-?f?q (The Excursion of One Who is Eager to Traverse the Regions of the World or the Tabula Rogeriana). The first edition of the Nuremberg Chronicle by Hartmann Schedel, printed on 12 July 1493 by Anton Koberger was also part of the exhibition presented.

 

The Bulgarian and Portuguese Presidents also visited the History of the Book Hall in the National Library where The Book of Boril from the 13th century and The Enina Apostle from the 11th century are exhibited. The two extremely valuable literary works are included in the Memory of the World programme registry by UNESCO for protecting global documentary heritage. 

 

The Bulgarian head of state thanks the Croatian state for its efforts to preserve the memory of the dead

Bulgarians living in Croatia are an active part of the modern Croatian society, and they contribute to the better name and trust of Bulgaria. This is what President Rumen Radev told our compatriots in Zagreb. Today, as part of his official visit to Croatia, the Bulgarian Head of State, together with representatives of our community, honoured the work of Ivan Vazov in front of the bust-monument of the patriarch of Bulgarian literature, which is located on the Alley of Poets in Bundek Park.

The currency itself cannot be a guarantee for European integration, but the rule of law is required, Rumen Radev said in Zagreb, where he is on an official visit

A merit-based enlargement policy remains a strategic priority for the European Parliament, not only as a geopolitical imperative, but also as a key instrument for promoting peace, democracy, stability and prosperity across Europe, particularly in the Western Balkans, EP President Roberta Metsola writes in response to the letter sent by President Rumen Radev to the heads of the European institutions and to the heads of state and government, members of the European Council, after the EP Foreign Affairs Committee voted on June 24 the draft report on the progress of the Republic of North Macedonia in the European integration process.