Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State August 2, 2019 On February 2, 2019, the United States provided its six-month notice of withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty due to the Russian Federation’s continuing violation of the treaty. The U.S. withdrawal pursuant to Article XV of the treaty takes effect today because …
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Press Statement Morgan Ortagus, Department Spokesperson July 30, 2019 The United States welcomes the Bulgarian Government’s decision to purchase eight F-16 multirole fighter aircraft, munitions and related equipment. We salute Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and the Bulgarian Government on its commitment to modernize its military through the acquisition of these highly capable, NATO interoperable aircraft. …
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Today the U.S. Embassy in Sofia launched the 4th chapter of its ‘The Power Is In You’ campaign. The newest chapter, Table, showcases four uniquely Bulgarian organizations that provide a real-life examples of initiatives begun by Bulgarian citizens. Ambassador Eric Rubin described the campaign history. “Almost two years ago we began a campaign to bring …
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The Trump administration welcomes Bulgaria’s defense modernization plans and looks forward to the country’s imminent selection of a new multirole fighter aircraft. The United States remains committed to working with the Bulgarian government to tailor the final scope of a potential F-16 sale to fit its budgetary and operational requirements, while still offering superior capabilities. …
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November 30, 2018 U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria, Eric S. Rubin and Deputy Mayor of Plovdiv Stefan Stoyanov inaugurated the renovated building of Dusho Hadjidekov Primary School during a ribbon cutting ceremony today. The United States Government invested USD 94,000 to renovate the Primary School which is one of the oldest in Plovdiv and accommodates 883 …
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U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Justin Friedman, together with Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov, inaugurated today the renovated building of the Center for Specialized Educational Assistance in Burgas, Bulgaria. The United States Government invested USD 113,000 in the renovations of the Center for Specialized Educational Assistance, formerly known as Otets Paisiy Auxiliary School. The Center provides …
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“This church is an iconic symbol of an ancient place. Working together, we continue to strengthen the cultural ties between our two countries through projects like this.” – Ambassador Eric Rubin U.S. Ambassador Eric Rubin, Nessebar Mayor Nikolay Dimitrov, Minister of Tourism Nikolina Angelkova and Deputy Minister of Culture Amelia Gesheva today officially reopened 14th …
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Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC November 5, 2018 Secretary Michael R. Pompeo met with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva today. They discussed the importance of U.S.-Bulgarian bilateral relations, Bulgaria’s plans to modernize its military, and energy diversification as a European energy security priority. They also discussed global affairs such as Iran’s ballistic missile program, …
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U.S. Ambassador Eric Rubin announced today that he will use the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation to restore, conserve, and modernize display of Bulgaria’s Sveshtari Thracian Tomb – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sveshtari Thracian Tomb is a unique example of Mediterranean sepulchral architecture, and attracts approximately 50,000 visitors every year. The tomb …
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In connection with multiple inquiries regarding DV2020 the U.S. Embassy in Sofia wishes to make the following clarification: Unmarried applicants can participate in the U.S. DV2020 lottery. Participants who are legally married must list their spouse and children on their DV lottery application. Participants who are single, or living in a civil union not recognized …
Read More» The Department of State made the formal public announcement of the Diversity Visa (DV) 2020 program on September 25, 2018. The electronic Diversity Visa system (E-DV) will be open for registrations beginning at noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on October 3, 2018, and will close for entries at noon, Eastern Standard Time (EST), on November …
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September 17, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “Children are part of the heart and soul of a community. This kindergarten – now full of laughs, love, and life – will nurture the children carrying the torch of Bulgaria’s future, bringing the light of hope and prosperity to Bulgaria’s tomorrows. It is our sincere hope that this …
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For Immediate Release July 27, 2018 Last June the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria supported the enthusiastic team of Tuk-Tam, organization of the Bulgarians with education and experience abroad, in the launch of an alumni club to bring together Bulgarians who completed their higher education in the United States. The U.S. Alumni Club accepts members who …
Read More» For Immediate Release – June 29, 2018 Report Recommends Further Steps Needed On June 28, 2018 U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo released the 2018 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report in Washington, DC. As required by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, the TIP Report assesses governments around the world on their efforts to combat modern …
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“We move forward together to combat transnational cyber-crime.” – Attaché Jason Clickner, U.S. Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge Yesterday, June 12, Bulgaria’s General Directorate for Combatting Organized Crime Cyber Unit received from the United States Secret Service advanced computer equipment and storage media that will greatly increase the Cyber Unit’s investigative capabilities. The new …
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NASA Astronaut Richard “Rick” Linnehan will visit Bulgaria May 9-14, 2018. He will spend time in Sofia and Plovdiv, and will talk about his life as an astronaut. He will also talk about following dreams, the importance of STEM education, and the opportunities available to those who work hard and are willing to try new …
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April 25, 2018 The U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria is pleased to announce that the highly acclaimed US Army in Europe (USAREUR) Band will be on tour in Bulgaria from May 4th to 6th. The tour will include free live performances in three Bulgarian cities: Russe – May 4th, 19:00 – Dohodno Zdanie Veliko Turnovo – …
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U.S. Ambassador Eric Rubin paid a visit to Stara Zagora and Galabovo on March 28-29. The Ambassador toured two of the largest American investments in Bulgaria – AES Maritsa East 1 and ContourGlobal Maritsa East 3 and visited some of their community programs that assist hundreds of thousands of Bulgarians. The two thermal power plants …
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Effective April 2, 2018, the cost to execute a U.S. passport using the DS-11 form (first-time applicants over age 16; children under age 16; applicants re-applying after reporting a previous passport lost or stolen) will increase from $25 to $35. Passport execution involves the submission of a passport application in person to a passport acceptance …
Read More» U.S. Ambassador Rubin: “We strongly support U.S. investments in Bulgaria and the American companies working here.” “Private contract negotiations are not something in which the U.S. Government will play a role.” March 29, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE U.S. Ambassador Eric Rubin reiterates American government support for U.S. companies investing in Bulgaria. “We strongly support U.S. …
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 15, 2018 “Bulgaria has a history of tolerance worthy of emulation. A history that evokes national pride and international respect. Bulgaria’s history of tolerance and inclusivity, as well as more recent progress, should not be distorted by those who seek to divide Bulgarians along racial, political, and social divides. Let me …
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The U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria Supports the Power of the Bulgarian Spirit Sanya Zhekova, Petar Stoychev and Prof. Pimpirev are among the new ambassadors of “The Power Is in You” campaign On Jan 10, 2018, U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria Mr. Eric Rubin announced the continuation of “The Power Is in You” campaign, which congratulates Bulgaria …
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 19, 2017 U.S. Ambassador Eric Rubin spoke today at Burgas Free University, stressing ties between Bulgaria and the U.S., and reminiscing about his first experience in Bulgaria 25 years ago. “I am optimistic about Bulgaria’s future. I first came here in 1992, a time that your professors and parents will remember …
Read More» October 19, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Due to technical issues, the registration period for DV-2019 is being restarted, and all entries made prior to October 18, 2017 will need to be resubmitted. We regret this inconvenience but in order to ensure fairness and protect the integrity of the process we must restart the entry process …
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 17, 2017 October 17, 2017 the 8th annual Red Ribbon event was hosted by Bulgarian National Customs Service and United States Drug Enforcement Administration at Sofia Airport. Acting U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew McClearn said to 450 students attending, “Choosing a drug-free lifestyle is one of the most important things …
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 16, 2017 “I’m confident I will be doing business in Bulgaria within the next few months. The Bulgarian market is extremely open and interested in engaging with U.S. companies.” – Charles Alvarado, Director of International Sales, Amalie Oil Company Over the weekend, 21 American businesses from 13 U.S. states arrived in …
Read More» For Immediate Release September 29, 2017 The Department of State made the formal public announcement of Diversity Visa (DV) 2019 program on September 13, 2017. The DV-2019 will be conducted entirely electronically at dvlottery.state.gov . The registration period will run from 12:00 noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on October 3, 2017, through 12:00 noon, EST, …
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U.S. Ambassador Eric Rubin today spoke to children, educators, and parents at St. St. Cyril and Methodius School in the village of Razhdavitsa. The school and Bulgarian NGO Amalipe Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance invited Ambassador Rubin to welcome students at the start of the new academic year. Kyustendil Mayor Petar Paunov and Regional Governor …
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This September, the ‘Trust for Social Achievement’ (TSA) has organized its first English and leadership development camps as part of their ‘A Step Toward Success’ project. The camps focus on community engagement for Bulgaria’s disadvantaged children and youth and serve as a step towards forming a community of successful role models, as well as encouraging …
Read More» Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC August 1, 2017 The United States congratulates Bulgaria and Macedonia on the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Good-neighborliness and Cooperation. This important, forward-looking agreement recognizes the already strong ties between the two countries and opens the door to even closer cooperation going forward in areas as …
Read More» The U.S. Embassies in Bulgaria and Macedonia welcome the approval of the draft Bulgaria-Macedonia friendship agreement. The agreement acknowledges the close ties between the countries and celebrates a will by both sides to enhance cooperation in the interest of their citizens. Such engagement sets an encouraging example for resolving issues between neighbors and enhances political …
Read More» June 27, 2017 On Wednesday, June 28, Col Shannon Johnson, Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché with U.S. Embassy in Sofia, and Burgas Mayor Mr. Dimitar Nikolov will inaugurate the renovated Day Center for Youth with Disabilities. The renovation of the Day Center is the result of close cooperation between the U.S. Embassy’s Office of …
Read More» The United States Embassy is pleased to announce a call for proposals for the 2017 Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). AFCP is an annual competitive, worldwide program dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage. AFCP supports preservation projects in the following three categories: Cultural Sites including (but not limited to) historic buildings and sites, …
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Nine leading U.S. IT companies presented e-government and cybersecurity solutions to 40 high-level Bulgarian government officials from 22 government agencies at U.S. IT Day, organized by the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Department of Commerce in Bulgaria on December 12-13th, 2016, in Pravets, Bulgaria. The Pravets event was the latest in a series of major IT …
Read More» December 16, 2016 For Immediate Release Nine leading U.S. IT companies presented e-government and cybersecurity solutions to 40 high-level Bulgarian government officials from 22 government agencies at U.S. IT Day, organized by the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Department of Commerce in Bulgaria on December 12-13th, 2016, in Pravets, Bulgaria. The Pravets event was the latest …
Read More» The U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria is pleased to support this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) that is going to take place from November 14th till November 30th. It will bring together young entrepreneurs, farmers, professional organizations, NGOs, and government representatives in a number of initiatives aimed at increasing global prosperity, building secure communities, and solving …
Read More» Deputy Chief of Mission Martina Strong joined Valeri Milovanov, the manager of Coho Farms, in launching Europe’s first coho salmon farm today, Friday, October 14, 2016 in the town of Gorni Okol. U.S. company Water Management Technologies Inc. and Canadian Aquaculture Systems CAS Inc. also took part in the ceremony. The $4 million investment includes …
Read More» Today the United States Embassy in Bulgaria, representatives of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) within the United States Department of Energy (DOE), and the Bulgarian government celebrated the completion of Bulgaria’s nuclear detection architecture. To mark the occasion, Ambassador Eric Rubin, Deputy Interior Minister Philip Gunev, and other dignitaries gathered at Sofia airport to …
Read More» The Department of State is pleased to announce the beginning of the Diversity Visa lottery program 2018 (DV-2018), commonly known as the “Green Card Lottery.” The registration period will run from 12:00 noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), on October 4, 2016, through 12:00 noon, EST, on November 7, 2016. During this registration period, applicants may …
Read More» Mark R. Koumans, Assistant Commissioner of the Office of International Affairs of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), will visit Bulgaria on September 16-17. In addition to meeting with officials from the Ministry of Interior, Assistant Commissioner Koumans will visit the Bulgarian-Turkish border, where he will observe operations and discuss migration issues with Bulgarian …
Read More» On Friday, August 26, COL Dean Swick, Deputy Chief of Staff, 412th Theatre Engineer Command (TEC) Engineer Brigade, and Veliko Tarnovo Deputy Mayor Mrs. Snezhana Daneva will inaugurate the renovated Nadezhda Kindergarten in Kilifarevo. The project was completed jointly by soldiers from 375th Engineer Company, 412th TEC and service members from the Chemical Unit, part …
Read More» On Wednesday, August 24, Brigadier General Don Johnson, Assistant to the Adjutant General for the Tennessee (TN) Air National Guard and Tundzha Mayor Mr. Georgi Georgiev will inaugurate the renovated Izvorche Kindergarten. The project was completed jointly by airmen of the 164th Civil Engineer Squadron, part of the TN Air National guard, and service members …
Read More» U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James met on Wednesday with Bulgarian leadership to reaffirm U.S. Air Force commitment to cooperation with Bulgaria on shared NATO objectives and to supporting Bulgaria’s defense modernization, specifically the multi role fighter program. Following her meetings, Secretary James said, “I had very helpful conversations with Defense Minister …
Read More» On Thursday, May 26, Amb. Eric Rubin of the U.S. Embassy to Bulgaria and Etropole Mayor Mr. Dimitar Dimitrov will inaugurate the newly built Kitchen and dining facility for Hristo Botev Primary School in the village of Lopyan, Etropole Municipality. The construction of the brand new facility in the village of Lopyan is the result …
Read More» Twenty-four Bulgarian law enforcement officers and prosecutors successfully completed a U.S. Department of State’s Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) course, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Sofia. The course is part of a series offered by the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service’s ATA Program to the Bulgarian government. Its goal is to better prepare nations around the world …
Read More» Today, 24 February 2016, Ambassador Eric Rubin presented his diplomatic credentials to Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev. With the approval of the Presidency, the government of Bulgaria has officially recognized Rubin as the Ambassador of the United States of America to Bulgaria. Rubin is expected to serve a three-year mandate. Ambassador Rubin arrived in Sofia on …
Read More» The new U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria, Eric Rubin, arrived today at Sofia International Airport with his wife Nicole Simmons. One of Ambassador Rubin’s first official acts was to greet the Embassy’s Twitter followers with “Excited to have arrived in Bulgaria as U.S. Ambassador. First task – relaunch @USEmbassySofia on Twitter. До скоро!” The Ambassador also …
Read More» The United States today began implementing changes under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 (the Act). U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) welcomes more than a million passengers arriving to the United States every day and is committed to facilitating legitimate travel while maintaining the highest standards of security …
Read More» A US$1.9 million facility that houses a joint task force of Bulgaria’s General Directorate for Combatting Organized Crime (GDBOP) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will assist in countering drug trafficking activity in the Balkan region, according to U.S. and Bulgarian officials who participated in the building’s opening ceremony today. Citing the successful seizures …
Read More» On Wednesday, December 9, Col. James Crowhurst, Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria, and Levski Mayor Mrs. Lyubka Aleksandrova will inaugurate the recently renovated Levski Kindergarten in the Municipality of Levski. This renovation of the largest kindergarten in the municipality of Levski is the result of close cooperation between …
Read More» The graduation ceremony for the Inter-European Air Forces Academy course for 23 Air Force personnel took place today at the Rakovsky Military Command and Staff College. U.S. Air Forces in Europe led the IEAFA course, which started on Nov. 2, at the Bulgarian Military Command and Staff College facilities in Sofia. The students are from …
Read More» On Wednesday, November 4, Martina Strong, Charge D’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria, and Pazardzhik Mayor Mr. Todor Popov will inaugurate the recently renovated Kalina Malina Kindergarten in the Municipality of Pazardzhik. This renovation of the largest kindergarten in the municipality of Pazardzhik is the result of close cooperation between the U.S. Embassy’s Office …
Read More» The Department of State is pleased to announce the beginning of the Diversity Visa lottery program 2017 (DV-2017), commonly known as the “Green Card Lottery.” The registration period will run from 12:00 noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), on October 1, 2015, through 12:00 noon, EST, on November 3, 2015. During this registration period, applicants may …
Read More» On Wednesday, August 19, COL Bruce Jennings, Deputy Chief of Staff of 412th Theater Engineer Command, United States Army Reserve, and Veliko Tarnovo Mayor Mr. Daniel Panov will inaugurate the renovated roof of Prolet Kindergarten. The project was completed jointly by soldiers of 390th Engineer Company, part of 412th Theater Engineer Command, and service members …
Read More» On Wednesday, August 5, Ambassador Roderick W. Moore will assume duties as the interim Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Sofia. He will serve in this position until the latter part of this year. For the past two years, Ambassador Moore has served as State Department Advisor at the Naval War College in Newport, …
Read More» On Thursday, July 30, COL Doug Brantley, representing 194th Engineer Brigade, Tennessee Army National Guard, and Aytos Mayor Vasil Edrev will inaugurate the renovated kindergarten in the village of Karanovo, Sungurlare Municipality, Burgas Region. The work on the project was completed by both airmen of the 164th Civil Engineer Squadron, Tennessee Air National Guard, and …
Read More» On Thursday, July 30, COL Craig Johnson, Commander of 194th Engineer Brigade, Tennessee Army National Guard, and Sungurlare Mayor Dr. Georgi Kenov will inaugurate the renovated playground of Slantse Kindergarten. The project was completed jointly by soldiers of 194th Engineer Brigade and airmen of FOB Bezmer, Bulgarian Air Force. The total cost of the project …
Read More» On Tuesday, July 21, Col John Didonna, Jr, Commander, 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard, and Rakitovo Mayor Mr. Lyubomir Petkov will inaugurate the recently built Family Education Center in the Municipality of Rakitovo. The U.S. Government invested $250,000 USD in this project. The new facility offers three classrooms, a multipurpose …
Read More» The U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce a special opportunity for emerging civil society leaders to participate in a 6-18 month professional fellowship in the United States. All Fellows will be placed at a leading social change organization in the United States. Individuals in the nonprofit/NGO sectors with two or more years of …
Read More» On the 25th anniversary of democracy in Bulgaria, the American artist, Brian Dailey, embarked on a photographic journey of the country documenting its political electorate. Contemporary Art Foundation Presents: Brian Dailey Bulgaria in Democracy Supported by America for Bulgaria Foundation; Embassy of the United States in Bulgaria; Stephan Stoyanov Gallery, New York; Monev Gallery, Sofia; …
Read More» On Wednesday, June 24, LTC Jay Smith, Chief of the Office of Defense Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria, and Silistra Mayor, Mr. Yulian Naydenov, will inaugurate the recently renovated Toddlers’ Kitchen in the Municipality of Silistra. The U.S. Government invested $120,000 USD in this project. The staff of the Toddlers’ Kitchen used the …
Read More» On Friday, May 29, Marc Dillard, Political and Economic Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria, and Lovech Regional Governor Mr. Madlena Nicheva will inaugurate the recently renovated Ivan Hadzhyiski Primary School in the Municipality of Troyan. The U.S. Government invested $219,000 USD in this project. The staff of Ivan Hadzhyiski School used the funds …
Read More» On Thursday, May 14, Col. James Crowhurst, Senior Defense Official for the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria, and Haskovo Regional Governor Mr. Dobri Belivanov will inaugurate the recently renovated Bell Kindergarten in the Municipality of Haskovo. The U.S. Government invested $200,000 USD in this project. The staff of the Bell Kindergarten used the funds from the …
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The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce that on April 27, 2015, Amb. Marcie B. Ries and Nessebar Mayor Nikolay Dimitrov took part in a ceremony marking the beginning of restoration of the 14th century medieval church of St. John Aliturgetos in Nessebar. The work is being supported by the largest grant to Bulgaria to …
Read More» On Wednesday, April 15, U.S. Amb. Marcie Ries, Kyustendil Mayor Petar Paunov and Cedar Foundation Director Lindsay Saltzgiver will inaugurate the Social Rehabilitation and Integration Center. The U.S. Government invested a total of 492,000 lv. to assist the joint efforts of the Cedar Foundation and the Municipality of Kyustendil in constructing and outfitting the Center. …
Read More» The Bulgarian Ministry of Education, the Embassy of the United States in Bulgaria, and the Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission are pleased to announce the appointment of three new members of the bilateral Board of Directors of the Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission. The new members are Professor Kostadin Kostadinov, Deputy Minister of Education and Science; Victoria Melamed, Minister …
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On March 4, 2015, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey visited Sofia for meetings with counterparts in the Bulgarian government. The visit was hosted by the State Agency for National Security (DANS) and included meetings with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, Prosecutor General Sotir Tsatsarov and DANS Chairman Vladimir Pisanchev. Director Comey was in …
Read More» The Bulgarian Fulbright Commission is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms. Angela Rodel as the next Executive Director of the Bulgarian-American Commission for Educational Exchange, or Bulgarian Fulbright Commission. Ms. Rodel was appointed to the role of Executive Director after a thorough process that attracted a large number of qualified candidates. Ms. Rodel is …
Read More» The U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria is pleased to announce that the internationally acclaimed singer Janice Harrington will be in Bulgaria with her guitarist Dylan Vaughn from February 23 to 27, 2015. This dynamic vocalist and her guitarist will conduct workshops with high school students in Sofia and Kardjali before finishing their visit with a free …
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