ANOVIA- The Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan celebrated on Monday Bulgaria’s National Day, marking the 117th anniversary of the country’s declaration of independence. Following the performance of the national anthems of Jordan, Bulgaria, and the European Union, H.E. Ambassador Metin Kazak delivered his address to the distinguished guests, reflecting on the historic significance of the day and the strong bonds between Bulgaria and Jordan. The event also highlighted 60 years of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Jordan, underscoring the strong partnership and shared commitment to peace, stability, and cooperation in the region. The evening continued with a festive dinner and cultural activities, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy Bulgarian traditions, hospitality, and cuisine.
Below is the full text of H.E. Metin Kazak’s speech delivered on the occasion of Bulgaria’s Independence Day.
Your Excellency, Mrs. Nancy Namrouqa, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs,
Your Excellencies Ambassadors,
Military attaches, Diplomats,
Ladies and gentlemen, Dear friends,
Welcome to everyone!
Добре дошли на всички!
Ahlan wa sahlan !
Me and my wife Neshe we are extremely happy that we have the opportunity to celebrate together with you our national holiday – September 22th, the day when, 117 years ago, Bulgaria declared its independence. Today, we honor the efforts of all Bulgarians who defended our country’s right to be free and independent.
Last year also marked 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Jordan is an important partner for us in the Middle East, and the development of strategic areas of cooperation is of a great significance for my country. Our political dialogue has always been active. We highly appreciate His Majesty King Abdullah II’s “Aqaba Process” – an initiative, which reflects Jordan’s commitment to the enhancement of international efforts in the fight against terrorism, radicalization and extremism, and to contributing to peace, security, and stability in the Middle East.
In this context, Bulgaria was glad to host on April this year a Summit within the framework of the “Aqaba Process” in Sofia. It was also an honour for us to welcome His Majesty King Abdullah II for this Summit and for an official visit to my country.
As you may be aware, in the past years more than 1 500 Jordanian students have graduated from Bulgarian universities. Nowadays, these graduates represent a steady bridge between our peoples and a living proof of our long-standing friendship. Thus, we want to continue this tradition and to attract more students from Jordan to study, for example, in the medical or engineering field, where Bulgaria provides high-quality education.
Jordan is an important partner for Bulgaria in the Middle East in terms of cooperation in the field of tourism. We believe we could further increase our relations in that regard. In 2023 before October events around 10 000 Bulgarians visited Jordan thanks to the existence of a direct low cost company flights. We are committed to boost the tourism flow of Jordanian citizens to Bulgaria as well and to support our Jordanian partners during the current challenging situation in the sector but for that we need a regular direct flights between the two capitals on affordable prices.
Our support for Jordan is also provided through Bulgaria’s Official Development Aid policy. We have allocated financial contribution to the humanitarian aid activities of the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The recent developments in the region are extremely worrying and could lead to a long-term uncertainty with a risk of destabilisation of the entire Middle East. This negative development has already had significant international impact with regard to the deterioration of the security situation in Levant and recently even in the Gulf. Further escalation and spill-over effect of the conflict in Gaza must not be allowed. This is important not only for the neighbouring countries like Jordan, but for the entire region.
We are seriously alarmed by the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the escalation of the violence in West Bank. Guaranteeing the protection of all civilians and ensuring increased flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza is of utmost importance.
There is no alternative but to return to the Peace Process and with concrete steps to take it forward. We are committed to a two-state solution as the only way to have just and sustainable peace in the Middle East and security for the two peoples.
In conclusion I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all our sponsors, without whom this evening would not be so solemn: Balkan Company, Lacrima, Panorama Printing House, to our partner for today’s event – Turkish Airlines and of course to the management of the St. Regis Hotel for their kind hospitality and assistance in providing examples from the delicious Bulgarian cuisine.
Dear Jordanian friends,
Let us remain united by values such as peace and solidarity and continue to deepen the political, economic and culturalrelations between our two friendly countries!
Long live Bulgaria and Jordan!
Tahhiya Bulgharia wal’Urdun! –
Shukran lyakum! Thank you!
I wish you a pleasant evening!
