The cooperation between Bulgaria and France on the topic of the enlargement of the European Union in the context of the European consensus achieved during the French Presidency of the Council of the EU to find a solution for the Republic of North Macedonia is an example of how, with responsible activity and an objective approach, we can solve problems and move forward together. This was stated by Head of State Rumen Radev, who today awarded the Order of the Madara Horseman, first degree, to the Ambassador of the French Republic to Bulgaria, H. E. Joel Meyer. The award is presented to the diplomat for his particularly great merits in the development of bilateral relations. The ceremony was also attended by Vice President Iliana Iotova.
In 2024, we celebrated 145 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations with France, with which we are connected by long-standing ties of friendship, mutual trust and respect, the President said. In his speech, Radev highlighted the dynamically and comprehensively developing relations between Bulgaria and France. Our countries are partners and allies within the European Union and NATO, share common interests and values in a number of international formats such as UNESCO, the International Organization of La Francophonie and others, Rumen Radev noted.
The Head of State congratulated Ambassador Meyer for his endeavour to deepen Bulgarian-French relations across the entire spectrum of our active ties. The President highlighted the expansion of high-level political dialogue during the diplomat's tenure, the deepening of trade and economic partnership, as well as cooperation in the fields of security, defence, nuclear energy, education, science and culture. In 2023, the largest French business delegation to our country, led by the Movement of Enterprises in France (MEDEF), visited us. More than 100 enterprises and companies visited Bulgaria, which contributed to the development of trade and economic ties, Radev pointed out. In the field of security, the President highlighted the potential for deepening industrial cooperation with France.
In his address to the Ambassador of the French Republic, the Head of State expressed gratitude for the diplomat's active work during his numerous visits to various regions of the country, meetings with representatives of local authorities, the academic community, and investors. The President also pointed out Joel Meyer's efforts to deepen and promote the cultural and historical ties between Bulgaria and France through numerous conferences, lectures, exhibitions, and a number of cultural events and festivals.
Ambassador Meyer expressed gratitude for his joint work with the Head of State and the Vice President, as well as to the other Bulgarian institutions with which he worked. I am glad that relations between Bulgaria and France are developing not only through bilateral projects, but also through deepening our partnership within the European Union, the diplomat said, noting the need for efforts for even stronger cohesion and rapprochement within the EU.