On 6 December, H. E. Ms. Kristiina Kuvaja-Xanthopoulos, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Finland to the Republic of Bulgaria,

gave a reception on the occasion of the national holiday of the country in the cozy hall of the Archaeological Museum in Sofia. The event was attended by prominent representatives of the diplomatic corps, government representatives, MPs, diplomats, people of art, science and culture.

In her welcoming address to the guests, H. E. Ms. Kristiina Kuvaja-Xanthopoulos said, "Today, the 6th of December, Finland celebrates its Independence Day. For us Finns, Independence Day is the day when we honour those who fought in wars for our country’s independence. In addition, we celebrate and show our respects to all those generations that helped to build Finland to what it is today.  The word that best describes our celebrations is "gratitude"...

...Throughout the years, the relations between Finland and Bulgaria have been very warm. Our societies have communicated at all levels, from political to people-to-people contacts. In addition to the bilateral contacts, the EU has become an important framework for our collaboration. We both are working for an integrated and united EU with a strong global role."

Photos: the Embassy of the Republic of Finland in the Republic of Bulgaria and Diplomatic Spectrum.

Above: H. E. Ms. Kristiina Kuvaja-Xanthopoulos, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria, delivers her welcome address.