On the 22^nd of January, in Sofia Hotel Balkan, a celebration was organized by the Greek Business Council in Bulgaria (HBCB) on the occasion of the new 2020 year and the 15^th anniversary of the organization.

It was opened with a welcome speech of the President of the Council, Mr. Stamatios Theodoropoulos, who shared his joy of the holiday and thanked everyone who has supported and has been involved in the HBCB mission over the years. He wished them a successful year.

E. Mr. Dimitrios Chronopoulos, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Greece to the Republic of Bulgaria, also addressed the attendees and emphasized the importance of the existence and the work of the Greek Business Council in Bulgaria. The result is the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Council and the Federation of Enterprises and Industrialists of Greece. The ambassador stressed that this year marks the 140^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Greece and Bulgaria. And that the importance of the business organization for the Greek entrepreneurship is great, as it opens new opportunities for strengthening and deepening the Greek-Bulgarian economic and trade relations.

E. Marios Kountourides, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cyprus to the Republic of Bulgaria, also wished a successful New Year, and also mentioned that a Cyprus-Bulgarian Business Association was established in the past year, aimed at promoting, expanding and stimulating economic and trade relations between the two countries.

This was followed by the traditional cutting of the New Year's "Vasilopita", a pita with a hidden coin inside, which was spread to all present. The sponsors of the event had also provided lots of prizes. The music program created a mood for the numerous Greek community and for the friends of Greece who attended the holiday.

 Photo: Diplomatic Spectrum