120 Years of Diplomatic Relations Between the United States and Bulgaria

September 19, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 120 Years of Diplomatic Relations Between the United States and Bulgaria Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson On September 19, 1903, John B. Jackson, Minister to Greece, Romania, and Serbia, presented his credentials to serve as the first U.S. Diplomatic Agent to Bulgaria – six years prior to Bulgaria’s proclamation of full independence from the Ottoman Empire. Today, we celebrate the one …

Read More»

U.S. Donates Cyber Defense Center to Bulgaria

September 14, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE U.S. Donates Cyber Defense Center to Bulgaria On September 14, 2023, Chargé d’Affaires Andrea Brouillette-Rodriguez was delighted to join Defense Minister Todor Tagarev in inaugurating the opening of Bulgaria’s new Cyber Defense Center in Sofia, the first of its kind in Bulgaria. The project, valued at $12 million, is …

Read More»

U.S. Advisor to Support Ministry of Defense with F-16 Implementation

August 24, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE U.S. Advisor to Support Ministry of Defense with F-16 Implementation The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce the arrival of a U.S. funded, F-16 Program Advisor at the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense. The advisor will assist the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense and the Bulgarian Air Force in implementing its …

Read More»

Ambassador Kenneth Merten Remarks on U.S.- Bulgaria Relations, The Atlantic Club

July 27, 2023 Ambassador Kenneth Merten Remarks on U.S.- Bulgaria Relations The Atlantic Club Dr. Passy, Distinguished members of the Diplomatic Corps, distinguished guests of the Government, thank you for welcoming me here today! Particularly thank you to the Atlantic Club for inviting me to speak today with you this afternoon, and for all the …

Read More»

State Department Releases Trafficking in Persons Report 2023

June 16, 2023 Each year, the State Department publishes our Trafficking in Persons Report, which helps us work with our partners around the world to stop human trafficking. Trafficking is modern day slavery, and only together can we put an end to this horrific crime. You can read the English version of the report here https://state.gov/reports/2023-trafficking-in-persons-report/bulgaria/

Read More»

Ambassador Kenneth Merten Welcome Remarks to the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria, April 27, 2023

April 27, 2023 Ambassador Kenneth Merten Welcome Remarks to the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria Location: Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia   Thank you for that warm introduction! Good morning, members of AmCham! Particularly AmCham CSO Ivan Mihaylov, AmCham President Olivier Marquette, members of the AmCham Board of Directors, distinguished guests: I really appreciate this …

Read More»

Remarks by Richard Nephew, U.S. State Department Coordinator on Global Anti-Corruption

03/21/2023 Remarks by Richard Nephew, U.S. State Department Coordinator on Global Anti-Corruption, at Bulgaria’s Summit for Democracy Cohort about Anti-Corruption and National Security Thank you for the invitation, and I’m sorry I’m not able to join you today for what promises to be an impressive gathering on a critical topic. Let me first congratulate the …

Read More»

2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Bulgaria – Executive Summary

2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Bulgaria EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Bulgaria is a constitutional republic governed by a freely elected unicameral National Assembly. A coalition government headed by a prime minister led the country for seven months; a caretaker government, appointed by the president, led the country for the rest of the year. National Assembly …

Read More»

Statement by Secretary Antony J. Blinken

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson March 3, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN Bulgaria’s National Day On behalf of the United States of America, I extend our best wishes to the people of Bulgaria on your national day. This is a special year, as we mark the 120th …

Read More»

Ambassador Mustafa was honored to receive the Order of the Madara Horseman from President Radev

Ambassador Mustafa was honored to receive the Order of the Madara Horseman from President Radev on 28 February 2023.  In her remarks, she congratulated the Bulgarian people for the remarkable progress the country has achieved over the past several years, and expressed her lasting appreciation of Bulgaria’s natural beauty, rich history and culture, and kindhearted people.

Read More»

Ambassador Mustafa Presented Summer Work and Travel Participants with Their American Visas

Ambassador Herro Mustafa today had the pleasure to give visas to students, who are going to participate in this year’s Summer Work and Travel Program. Since 2000, more than 120,000 Bulgarian students have participated in the Summer Work and Travel program and by representing Bulgaria in the United States, have contributed to the strengthening of …

Read More»

Remarks of Ambassador Mustafa at “Rule of Law and the Business Environment in Bulgaria” Conference, January 20, 2023

Remarks of Ambassador Mustafa “Rule of Law and the Business Environment in Bulgaria” Conference January 20, 2023 Sofia Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, Minister Zarkov, my friends, Ambassadors from Italy, France, Chargé from Germany, Ambassadors Meyer and Zarra, Deputy Head of Mission Röken, Mr. Matthew Murray, and Olivier Marquette. I am honored to have you …

Read More»

The United States and Bulgaria Celebrate 120 Years of Diplomatic Relations

Join us in celebrating the 120th anniversary of U.S. – Bulgarian diplomatic relations this year! Relations between Bulgaria and the United States were first formally established in 1903, and on January 12, 1912, the United States opened our first U.S. Consular Agency in Bulgaria. To mark the occasion Ambassador Mustafa met with Foreign Minister Milkov …

Read More»

U.S. Security Cooperation With Bulgaria

FACT SHEET BUREAU OF POLITICAL-MILITARY AFFAIRS OCTOBER 31, 2022 For more than 15 years, the United States and the Republic of Bulgaria have enjoyed a robust security partnership as treaty Allies, with a shared commitment to the security of the Balkans, Eastern Mediterranean, and Black Sea regions. The United States works closely with Bulgaria on …

Read More»

The Academy of Women Entrepreneurs Empowers Bulgarian Women

November 10, 2022 In honor of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2022, the Embassy is proud to highlight the amazing work being done by alumni of the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs in Bulgaria. Follow us on Facebook to learn about these inspiring Bulgarian women. The State Department established the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in 2019 to …

Read More»

U.S. Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt Visits Bulgaria

October 14, 2022 Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt visited Sofia last week to meet with his Bulgarian colleagues to talk about green initiatives, energy diversification, and to reiterate the U.S. commitment to Bulgarian and European energy security. In case you missed it – have a look at Assistant Secretary Pyatt’s exclusive interview on bTV! …

Read More»

United States announces new Foreign Military Financing to support Bulgarian military modernization and regional defense

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 7, 2022 United States announces new Foreign Military Financing to support Bulgarian military modernization and regional defense The Embassy is pleased to announce that the Congress of the United States has approved nearly $40 million in additional Foreign Military Financing for Bulgaria. This funding is intended to assist in modernizing Bulgaria’s …

Read More»

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central and Eastern Europe Robin Dunnigan Visits Bulgaria to Reinforce Bilateral Partnership

For immediate release September 7, 2022 Robin Dunnigan, the State Department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central and Eastern Europe in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, is visiting Sofia over the period 7-9 September to engage her Bulgarian interlocutors on issues concerning tackling corruption, strengthening rule of law, preventing human trafficking, and increasing border …

Read More»

U.S. Ambassador Jim O’Brien’s Visit to Sofia, August 30-31, 2022

For immediate release August 30, 2022 U.S. Ambassador Jim O’Brien, Head of the Office of Sanctions Coordination at the U.S. Department of State, will visit Sofia on August 30 – 31, 2022. Ambassador O’Brien will meet with counterparts in the Bulgarian government and members of the international business community to discuss fostering a transparent and …

Read More»

Assistant Secretary Donfried’s Remarks at Gala Reception at American University of Bulgaria Thursday, May 19, 2022

Assistant Secretary Donfried’s Remarks at Gala Reception at American University of Bulgaria Thursday, May 19, 2022 Published “as prepared”   Thank you very much for the warm welcome. I am thrilled to be here in Bulgaria, and I’m especially delighted to join you this evening to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the American University in …

Read More»

Assistant Secretary Donfried’s Remarks at AmCham Business Breakfast with PM Petkov Thursday, May 19, 2022

Assistant Secretary Donfried’s Remarks at AmCham Business Breakfast with PM Petkov Thursday, May 19, 2022 It is wonderful to be here! Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Olivier Marquette, Ministers of the Government, Ladies and Gentlemen, It really is an honor to be with you all this morning. And I am delighted to share the stage with …

Read More»

Assistant Secretary Donfried’s Travel to the Republic of Bulgaria

May 18, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Assistant Secretary Donfried’s Travel to the Republic of Bulgaria 05/17/2022 05:06 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson On May 18-19, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Dr. Karen Donfried will visit Sofia, Bulgaria, for a series of high-level meetings to reaffirm the strong bilateral partnership between …

Read More»

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s March 18-19 Visit to Bulgaria

March 19, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s March 18-19 Visit to Bulgaria The United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited Bulgaria from March 18 to March 19, 2022, to discuss our strong security partnership with Bulgarian counterparts and to reaffirm our shared resolve in the face of Russia’s unjustified …

Read More»

Statement by Secretary Antony J. Blinken

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson March 3, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN Bulgaria’s National Day On behalf of the United States of America, I send best wishes to the people of Bulgaria as you commemorate your national day on March 3 and mark the 144th anniversary of …

Read More»

United States Welcome High-Level Bulgarian Trade Delegation

February 14, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE United States Welcome High-Level Bulgarian Trade Delegation U.S. Ambassador Herro Mustafa will join Deputy Prime Minister for EU Funds and Minister of Finance Assen Vassilev and a high-level energy trade delegation to the United States the week of February 14-18. The Bulgarian delegation, which includes Minister of Energy Alexander …

Read More»

U. S. Embassy announces the return of an ancient helmet along with a new program to protect Bulgarian antiquities

February 11, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE U. S. Embassy announces the return of an ancient helmet along with a new program to protect Bulgarian antiquities On February 10, U.S. authorities announced the return to the people of Bulgaria of an ancient helmet, which originated in Bulgaria, near modern-day Pletena, Satovcha Region. The helmet, dating to around 400-300 B.C. and valued at approximately $200,000, was seized in January 2022 by U.S. authorities …

Read More»

State Department Counselor Derek Chollet Visits Sofia for Strategic Bilateral Dialogue

February 9, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE State Department Counselor Derek Chollet Visits Sofia for Strategic Bilateral Dialogue On Tuesday, February 8, Derek Chollet, Counselor of the U.S. Department of State, led a delegation of senior U.S. officials to Sofia as part of a multi-country trip to engage with U.S. partners and allies on a range …

Read More»

Ambassador Mustafa Speech at G.S. Rakovsky Military Academy 12-16-2021

Inspiring Bulgarian Leadership Ambassador Herro Mustafa G.S. Rakovsky Military Academy December 16, 2021 Good afternoon. It is an honor and a privilege to be here this afternoon, with all of you, Bulgaria’s current and future military leaders. Truly, this is an honor. And I would like to say a special thank you to Major General …

Read More»

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense to Visit Bulgaria in Sign of Strong Commitment to Bilateral and Regional Security Partnership

October 15, 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense to Visit Bulgaria in Sign of Strong Commitment to Bilateral and Regional Security Partnership On 17-18 October, Spencer Boyer, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for European and NATO Policy, will travel to Sofia to represent the U.S. Secretary of Defense …

Read More»

U.S. Congress Delegation visited Bulgaria

August 26, 2021 U.S. Congress Delegation visited Bulgaria From August 23-25, 2021, a delegation from the U.S. Congress visited Bulgaria to meet with government officials, U.S. business representatives, and others for talks on defense and security in the region, the economic environment, and the broader bilateral relationship. Members of the delegation also explored cultural sites …

Read More»

U.S. Department of the Treasury Sanctions Influential Bulgarian Individuals and Their Expansive Networks for Engaging in Corruption

June 2nd, 2021 U.S. Department of the Treasury Sanctions Influential Bulgarian Individuals and Their Expansive Networks for Engaging in Corruption. See: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0208

Read More»

BULGARIA 2020 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

BULGARIA 2020 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Bulgaria is a constitutional republic governed by a freely elected unicameral National Assembly. A coalition government headed by a prime minister leads the country. National Assembly elections were held in 2017, and the Central Election Commission did not report any major election irregularities. International and local observers considered …

Read More»

PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE MARCH 3, 2021

PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE MARCH 3, 2021   On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate all Bulgarians on the occasion of your National Day. As enduring friends, Allies, and partners, the United States and Bulgaria share a commitment to freedom, human rights, democratic and accountable …

Read More»

Official Inauguration of the Maritime Coordination Center in Varna

We celebrate the Bulgarian Navy and the military’s official inauguration of the Maritime Coordination Center in Varna, which is an important step towards greater NATO and regional cooperation in the Black Sea region. The Ambassadors of Georgia, Romania, and the United States were invited by Defense Minister Krasimir Karakachanov, Admiral Emil Eftimov, and Rear Admiral …

Read More»

U.S. Delegation at High-Level U.S.-Bulgaria Strategic Dialogue in Sofia

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central European Affairs and Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues Matthew Boyse is leading a U.S. delegation at the high-level U.S.-Bulgaria Strategic Dialogue today in Sofia.  Discussions will center on global issues, defense and security, economy/trade/energy cooperation, and rule of law.  Deputy Assistant Secretary Boyse is joined by Ambassador …

Read More»

High-speed Vessel U.S. Navy Ship Carson City Docks In Varna For The First Time

Technically known as a Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship, the USNS Carson City entered the Black Sea for the first time on August 15, and docked in Varna Port for the first time on August 27.   Captain Jonathan Keffer welcomed Bulgarian media onboard and led a tour of the ship.    Carson City is part …

Read More»

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Claire Grady Visits Bulgaria

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Claire Grady toured the Bulgarian National Museum of History yesterday where she marveled at renowned artifacts depicting centuries of Bulgarian history. Bulgaria’s Minister of Interior Valentin Radev added personal insight into the fascinating tour. Deputy Secretary Grady is in Bulgaria to participate in an EU-U.S. Justice and Home Affairs …

Read More»

USAREUR Band to Perform Free Concerts in Three Bulgarian Cities

 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 – …

Read More»

U.S. Defense Attache Col. Johnson Visits Smolyan

“I am grateful to Bulgarian service members for their professionalism and dedication, and we’re here tonight to support their families as well during their deployment.”  – U.S. Defense Attache Col. Shannon Johnson honored Bulgaria’s 101st Alpine Regiment, which is deployed to Afghanistan, on Saturday night at Smolyan’s Garrison Military Club.   Col. Johnson and several U.S. …

Read More»

Аnniversary of Diplomatic Relations Between the U.S. and Bulgaria

September 19, 1903 marks the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Principality of Bulgaria and the United States of America. On that date John B. Jackson, U.S. Envoy and Minister Plenipotentiary to Greece, Romania, and Serbia, resident in Athens, presented his Accreditation Letter from U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt to His Royal Highness Ferdinand, Prince of Bulgaria. …

Read More»

U.S. and Bulgarian Military Organize Eyeglass Distribution Event

May 15 – Last week, the U.S. Civil Affairs Team deployed at NSTA, the Bulgarian Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Tactical Group and medical staff from the Bulgarian Military Medical Academy assisted residents of the Padarevo village, Kotel Municipality, Bulgaria with the fitting of eyeglasses. Ninety-two Padarevo residents received new eyeglasses, donated by the U.S. based NGO …

Read More»

Remarks by Ambassador Rubin – Dedication of Ronald Reagan Statue in Sofia

I am honored to be here to represent the United States Government and President Trump at the dedication of this beautiful statue of President Ronald Reagan. For so many people in this part of the world, President Reagan represented more than just his country and his Administration. First of all, he represented America, and America’s …

Read More»

Unveiling of the Bust of President Ronald Reagan in Sofia

On May 10, 2017 Ambassador Rubin accompanied Bulgarian and U.S. dignitaries at the unveiling of the bust of President Ronald Reagan, the 40th U.S. President, in Sofia’s South Park alley, which was named after Reagan in 2011. The idea for the monument emerged several years ago as an expression of gratitude by many Bulgarians who …

Read More»

Statement by the U.S. Embassy on Bulgarian Presidential Election

The U.S. Embassy congratulates President-elect Rumen Radev and looks forward to working with him to advance the goals Bulgaria and the United States share, including increased prosperity for our people, transatlantic ties and values, NATO engagement and solidarity, defense modernization, and border security. The United States is committed to continuing to strengthen and deepen the …

Read More»

Joint Press Statement: The United States and Bulgaria: Allies, Partners, Friends

On May 7, 2016, in Sofia, Bulgaria, Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed Bulgaria and the United States’ strong commitment to the bilateral partnership and friendship that have been key to enhancing the security, prosperity, and close ties enjoyed by the Bulgarian and American people over the past …

Read More»
Show More ∨