4 December 2025 | 16:04
The meeting was held at the initiative of Denmark's ambassador to Bulgaria Flemming Stender within the framework of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU
NEWS
President Honours Ireland's Ambassador with the Order of "Madara Horseman" First Class
2024-07-31 17:57:00
President Rumen Radev honoured the Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland to Bulgaria, HE Martina Feeney, with the Order of the Madara Horseman, First Class. The award is for Ambassador Feeney's great services to the strengthening and development of bilateral relations.
In his speech, the head of state pointed out that during Ambassador Feeney's tenure Bulgaria and the Republic of Ireland celebrated in 2021 the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. In these more than 30 years, the two countries have managed to build fruitful relations based on friendship and partnership, Radev noted. He expressed Bulgaria's gratitude for Ireland's support of our accession process and our full integration into the EU.
The President mentioned Martina Finney's activity and personal commitment to deepening and expanding relations, highlighting the significant potential for growth of Irish investments in a number of areas in Bulgaria, including energy, innovation and tourism.
The President also stressed the Ambassador's initiatives related to Roma integration, as well as her support for the activities of the local authorities in Blagoevgrad around the annual competition in memory of Irish journalist Veronica Guerin, which honours journalists for their contribution to the fight against the spread of drugs. Bulgaria is open to the global achievements of Irish culture and music and we, in turn, are working to ensure that more and more Bulgarian authors are translated and their works find a place in Ireland, the President added.
The head of state recalled the work of Irishmen James Boucher and Pierce O'Mahony, who after the liberation of our country and after the Ilinden-Preobrazhenie Uprising, led by the typical Irish spirit of empathy and sympathy, arrived in Bulgaria and remained here, deeply committed to the Bulgarian national cause. The telling of these stories of people with big hearts shapes the Bulgarian people's perception of the Irish people, in turn providing a meaningful opportunity for Ireland itself to understand more about its history, an integral part of which is the noble and selfless work of their compatriots abroad.
For her part, Martina Feeney said that she accepts the highest award not only as a sign of gratitude, but also as a symbol of the deep friendship between Bulgaria and Ireland. She pointed to the excellent cooperation and support she had received during her tenure and stressed that as EU Member States our countries share common values.
MORE FROM NEWS
28 November 2025 | 15:03
In his speech, the president pointed out that Bulgaria highly values its relations with Iraq, which is an important partner in the Middle East region
24 November 2025 | 19:07
Taking advantage of their geostrategic position, Bulgaria and Georgia have the potential to deepen their connectivity in various areas such as transport, energy, and the digital sector, which will contribute to promoting the economy, investment, and prosperity in the Black Sea region. This was stated by President Rumen Radev, who held a meeting with the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili.
13 November 2025 | 14:02
The two were unanimous that restoring peace in Europe through diplomacy is a priority for the EU and the only way to ensure the long-term security and stability of the Old Continent.