Bulgaria highly values the relations between our two countries and considers Algeria to be one of its most important partners in the North African region and among the Arab countries. This was stated by President Rumen Radev, who today awarded the "Madar Horseman" Order, first class, to the Ambassador of Algeria, Messaoud Mekhila, at a ceremony in the Coat of Arms Hall of the Presidency.
The state award is presented for the diplomat's great merits in the development of bilateral relations between the Republic of Bulgaria and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria.
Rumen Radev thanked Ambassador Messaoud Mekhila for his significant contribution to the development and strengthening of relations between the two countries in the interest of preserving and promoting the political, economic and cultural ties on which the relationship between Algeria and Bulgaria is built. The President emphasized that it was a particular pleasure for him to hold several meetings with the President of Algeria in various international formats, at which the two had the opportunity to discuss practical and effective ways and mechanisms for promoting trade and economic exchange for the development of ties in education, culture and tourism.
Our relations have a long history and have been developing particularly actively since the time when Algeria gained its independence in 1962, recalled Radev, recalling the history of relations between the two countries. He emphasized that the selfless assistance that Bulgaria provided at a turning point in the history of Algeria laid the solid foundations of our friendship, which continues to develop today. Especially today, when we are faced with numerous global and local challenges, acute military conflicts and a rearrangement of the geopolitical security architecture, it is of particular importance to develop and strengthen relations with our traditional partners, such as Algeria, so that we can together contribute to peace, stability and prosperity throughout the world, said the Bulgarian head of state.
He assured Ambassador Messaoud Mekhila that Bulgaria, represented by its state institutions, highly appreciates his significant contribution and efforts to the development and deepening of our bilateral relations. You managed to build new bridges of cooperation, but we also worked actively to promote ties between the people of our two countries, said Rumen Radev.
Ambassador Mekhila emphasized that it is a great honor and privilege for him to accept this order. This happy event will forever mark my diplomatic career as an ambassador, he noted and emphasized that he is very happy to see Bulgaria as a member of Schengen, as well as that a regular government has been formed. These are two important events that herald a period of stability, development and growth for the country, the ambassador said. He expressed his belief that Bulgaria will soon become a member of the eurozone, as well as that it will become a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Relations between Algeria and Bulgaria have always been good. History has abundant evidence of the solidity of our ties and two friendly peoples, Ambassador Messaud Mekhila pointed out. He stressed that the Algerian people and the Algerian state will always remain grateful for Bulgaria's support during the Algerian war of liberation. The friendship and respect between us leave no room for any disturbances, even those related to the temporary international situation, Ambassador Mekhila said.