On August 31, on the eve of the national holiday of the country – the Constitution Day (1992), H. E. Mr. Marian Jakubocy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Republic to the Republic of Bulgaria, and his wife gave a reception at the embassy.

On September 1 Slovak people celebrate the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution. One document laying the foundations for the independent Slovak Republic, which was proclaimed shortly thereafter - on 1 January 1993

In his welcoming speech to the guests, H. E. Mr. Marian Jakobocy said: "I think that from the initial concern about the functioning of the young state, we have gradually reached a result that we can really be proud of. Eleven years later, Slovakia became a member of NATO and the European Union. Ten years ago it entered Schengen and for more than 8 years the euro has been the Slovak currency. I think that we have also passed successfully the difficult test last year when we chaired the Council of the European Union. For Slovakia, it is unambiguous - our living space is the European Union, our goal is to be at the heart of the European Union.

It is certain that the success of Slovakia is due first of all to our citizens. However, it is sure that it would have been harder for us without friends abroad. And I think it is precisely on this important occasion that we need to remember them and thank them. That is why I am very pleased that I was authorized by the President of the Slovak Republic, Andrej Kiska, to award a high state honor to Mr. Dimitar Stefanov, a friend of Slovakia, a Bulgarian poet and translator. „This year he celebrates his 85th birthday. During his lifetime, Mr. Dimitar Stefanov has written not only many beautiful poems, but has translated more than 40 works by Slovak writers in Bulgarian. And that's why we owe him gratitude."

At the end of his speech H. E. Mr. Marian Jakubocy said: "After almost four and a half years my term as ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the Republic of Bulgaria is over. I would like to first thank my colleagues at the embassy for the work they have done during my activity in Bulgaria. I would also like to thank my Bulgarian colleagues and friends for their cooperation, openness and goodwill. I thank the colleagues from the diplomatic corps for their cooperation and the many interesting discussions and exchanges of view points. My greatest gratitude, however, belongs to my family - to my wife Helena and my daughter Tatyana, for their support, love and wonderful moments that we experienced in Bulgaria together."

The same day, for an exceptional contribution to the consolidation and development of the friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Slovak Republic, H. E. Mr. Marian Yakubocy was awarded the highest state award - the "Stara Planina" Order, first degree, by President Rumen Radev.

The photos were provided by the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in the Republic of Bulgaria.