London, April 2006. In his speech, Mr Anthony Bailey, Chairman of Eligo International said “I would like on behalf of Eligo International to warmly welcome our Guests of Honour, Their Excellencies The President and First Lady of the Republic of Bulgaria to this lunch held here at The Travellers’ Club – a place which for over 190 years has been at the forefront of welcoming distinguished guests from abroad.
“I would also like to say how honoured we are by the presence of our British Guest of Honour, The Duke of Gloucester – someone who has for so many years devoted himself tirelessly to the promotion of bilateral relations as well as championed so many good causes at home and abroad. Your Royal Highness you are most welcome.
“Mr President, on both a personal as well as professional level, I have been actively involved in the promotion of British – Bulgarian relations for almost twenty years and over that time I have had the honour of hosting a number of Your Excellency’s predecessors, as well as several Bulgarian Prime Ministers.
“On each occasion an important milestone has been celebrated. In 1991 with the visit of President Zhelev, it was to mark the restoration of democracy in your country. With President Stoyanov, it was to celebrate the very considerable increase in trade and political ties between both countries as well as mark Bulgaria’s candidate status to NATO.
“And most recently with the visit of Prime Minister Simeon Saxe Coburg Gotha, Simeon II, it was to mark the achievement of your country’s candidate membership of the European Union.
“Mr President, your current Official Visit to the United Kingdom is no exception. As a result of your people’s concerted efforts over recent years, we find ourselves but months away from Bulgaria’s accession to the EU. We in Britain applaud these efforts and achievements which have in turn resulted in an even greater strengthening of bilateral ties across all sectors.
“From trade and commerce, political and parliamentary affairs, culture and tourism and also, in another area which is particularly close to my own heart – namely inter-religious dialogue and understanding.
“Mr President, once again thank you for honouring us all with your presence here today. I wish you a most successful visit to the United Kingdom during which you will no doubt see for yourself how much the British people are ever more willing to engage with Bulgaria both as close friends and as partners. Thank you.”
In his reply the Bulgarian Head of State remarked “I would first of all like to personally express my sincere gratitude to Mr Anthony Bailey and Eligo International for hosting today’s important event, but also, on behalf of my countrymen, pay tribute for all their efforts over 20 years in fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for Bulgaria in this country.
“Bulgaria looks to the United Kingdom as one of its key strategic partners and the presence here today of so many dignitaries from all walks of life is a very good indication of Britain’s willingness to engage with us. I have no doubt that this deep support will manifest itself in all my meetings here including those with Prime Minister Tony Blair and business and financial leaders”.
To learn more about the President of Bulgaria, click here.
