On August 24, 1991 the independence of Ukraine from the Soviet Union was proclaimed. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of this event, on September 8 H. E. Dr. Mykola Baltazhi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine in Bulgaria and his wife Mrs. Penka Baltazhi,

gave a reception at the embassy. They gathered many guests, friends and Ukrainians living in Bulgaria.

In his welcome speech the ambassador said: "I want to point out that Bulgaria is one of the first countries which recognized the independence of Ukraine. This happened on December 5, 1991 and on December 13 the same year a protocol establishing diplomatic relations between our countries was signed. Bulgaria strongly supports the territorial integrity and the national sovereignty of my country." He further emphasized that Ukraine is steadily moving towards its European integration. Finally, the Ambassador awarded his compatriots living here with certificates from the embassy for their contribution to the consolidation of the Ukrainian community in Bulgaria.

Photos courtesy of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Bulgaria.