A reception on the occasion of the 101st anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkiye organized by the Turkish Embassy in Sofia gathered ministers, diplomats, representatives of political parties here on Tuesday evening, the Communications Directorate of the Turkish Presidency said in a press release sent on Wednesday.
Among the guests of the event were caretaker Minister of Tourism Evtim Miloshev, of Interior Atanas Ilkov, of Labour and Social Policy Ivaylo Ivanov, as well as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Elena Shekerletova.
The Turkish Ambassador to Bulgaria Mehmet Sait Uyanik highlighted the close relations between the two countries, pointing out that their common history, cultural heritage and geographical proximity have contributed to the establishment of a strong partnership.
The Ambassador highlighted the significant increase in tourist visits of Bulgarians to Turkiye, noting that in September alone 236,000 people from Bulgaria visited his country. He said that this cultural and tourist exchange contributes to the friendship between the two countries.
Uyanik pointed out that Bulgaria was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the Republic of Turkiye, which were formalized in 1925.
/RY/
