The relations between Bulgaria and Finland based on the trust of friends, partners and allies are the basis for standing up together for our common values and efforts so that our common European home is preserved as a region of peace, stability, tolerance and prosperity. This was stated by the head of state Rumen Radev, who awarded Finland's Ambassador, HE Kristiina Kuvaja-Xanthopoulos with the Order of the Madara Horseman, First Class, for her contribution to the strengthening and development of Bulgarian-Finnish relations.
The highest state award is an expression of the importance Bulgaria attaches to cooperation with Finland and gratitude for the contribution and self-sacrifice of the Finnish people for our national liberation, the president emphasised. In times of deep geopolitical turmoil and growing threats to world peace and security, mutual trust and understanding are especially important, the head of state said.
In his speech, Radev noted the active work of Ambassador Kuvaja-Xanthopoulos within the framework of her tenure to promote bilateral partnership in the economy and investment. The head of state pointed to the intensive high-level political dialogue between Bulgaria and Finland during the last period, the upgrading of relations in important areas, as well as the signing in September 2023 in Helsinki of the Memorandum on the accession of Bulgaria to the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats.
The active work of Ambassador Kuvaja-Xanthopoulos for deepening trade and economic exchange, innovation and tourism was also emphasised by President Radev. He highlighted her contribution and cooperation in the field of science and scientific research, exchange for students, lecturers and doctoral students in a number of master's, bachelor's and doctoral programs, which is an extremely important investment in the future. The opening of the Sofia-Helsinki direct flight, which has been operating since June, was also mentioned as a particularly positive and practical step for expanding relations and contacts between people from both countries.
Ambassador Kuvaja-Xanthopoulos thanked for the recognition. The ambassador noted that her tenure did not pass during the easiest years for Europe, or for Bulgaria, but it was fruitful and successful. She pointed out the challenges in the international, bilateral and multilateral aspect because of the the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine and stressed the need for unity to deal with them. She also noted the deep historical relationship between Bulgaria and Finland, emphasising its steady advancement in the economy, education, information technology, innovation, as well as at the institutional level.
Ambassador Kuvaja-Xanthopoulos expressed her gratitude for the support of Bulgaria for Finland's membership in NATO, which, in her words, provides more serious opportunities for strengthening the bilateral partnership.