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| Bulgarian Ambassador to Korea Petko Draganov, second from right, makes a toast with dignitaries during the country's Liberation Day reception at Grand Hyatt Seoul in central Seoul, Feb. 28. Courtesy of Embassy of Bulgaria in Korea |
By Kwon Mee-yoo
The Embassy of Bulgaria in Korea hosted a reception honoring the country's Liberation Day at a hotel in Seoul, Tuesday.
The southeastern European country celebrates its Liberation Day on March 3, commemorating liberation from the Ottoman Dominion during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878.
Bulgarian Ambassador to Korea Petko Draganov noted that Bulgaria and Korea established diplomatic relations 33 years ago with the acknowledgment of their mutual desire for increased political and economic exchanges during the event.
"The cooperation soon evolved into a comprehensive and future-oriented partnership of mutual trust and support. Today, I'm glad to attest to the expanding ties that bind our countries in wide-ranging spheres of bilateral interests ― trade and investment, tourism and culture, science and education," Ambassador Draganov said.
Draganov said global challenges such as the pandemic, climate change, Pyongyang's illegal nuclear weapons program and Russian aggression against Ukraine have brought the two countries closer together.
"Our nations have come to realize that upholding international law is the best way to protect the livelihoods and freedoms for our people. That is why we stand firmly against any assault on the U.N. Charter and the basis of our international order," he said.
"Together with the vast majority of nations, we voted for Russia's immediate withdrawal from the occupied Ukrainian territories. So let us dedicate today's celebration to our common vision of prosperity and shared values of democracy that unite us and makes us stronger, for a better future for all."
Choi Yeong-han, deputy minister for Overseas Koreans and Consular Affairs at Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered the congratulatory remarks.
"Since our two nations signed the joint declaration on the comprehensive and future-oriented partnership in 2015, last year, we saw important developments in establishing a solid and enduring foundation for thriving bilateral partnership as President Yoon Suk Yeol's Special Envoy Park Heong-joon visited Bulgaria to deliver a presidential letter," Choi said.
"While the current trade volume between our two countries may not be significant, there is tremendous potential for growth and expansion in the future. Korea and Bulgaria share many things in common ― diligent people, a great passion for education and ICT development to name a few. I'm hoping that, based on such similarities, we will continue to successfully enhance our relations in the years to come."
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