What are the priorities of the Georgian Embassy in Bulgaria?
With the cardinal changes implemented in a short period of time Bulgaria became an example to be followed for the post-socialist countries which connect their future with Western civilization. Georgia’s interests that determine our Embassy’s priorities are close cooperation in all spheres: politics, economy, culture, spiritual interaction and, of course, implementation of reforms aimed at the democratization of society. The European and Euro-Atlantic path of development covered by Bulgaria is the basis of the bilateral relations. In this connection, at the end of 2004 a Memorandum for Cooperation in the field of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration was signed between the Bulgarian and the Georgian governments. Bulgaria is ready to share its experience with us.

Georgia is already an active member of the EU New Neighborhood Initiative and works under an individual plan for cooperation with NATO. Drawing on Bulgaria’s experience of a NATO and a future EU member will allow Georgia to avoid substantial mistakes and will let us shorten the time for rapprochement with the Euro-Atlantic Alliance.

Economic relations are the most important matter. A lot has been done, especially in the field of transport, trade and communications, but the potential of our state lets us broaden the cooperation and encompass the energy sector, agriculture, light and food industry, tourism, etc. The Embassy has already started consultations and negotiations with the respective authorities and organizations in the Republic of Bulgaria.

How do Bulgaria and Georgia share their experence in the field of Europen integration?
The above-mentioned memorandum is a fundamental document on European integration issues. For the implementation of the tasks, set together with the Bulgarian colleagues, we have designed an action plan for attraction of interested institutions and organizations from the governmental and the non-governmental sectors in Bulgaria and Georgia. Performing the tasks and analysis of the obtained results – these are the main ways of cooperation in the field of Euro-Atlantic integration.

What is the “Golden Fleece” that the Bulgarian businessmen can find in Georgia?
Unfortunately, we all know that the Golden Fleece has been long taken away from Georgia. But today too our country is an attractive and interesting place. This is due to the natural resources and the possibilities for development of multi-branch industry and agriculture, recreational potential, art and culture, the high intellect, the traditional tolerance and attachment of the Georgian people to the democratic principles. These qualities were demonstrated during the Revolution of Roses that went peacefully, without any acts of violence. I have to add also the geo-strategic location of the country and the transit passage through its territory of people, goods and energy carriers. The favorable environment for foreign investments created by Georgia’s government has already brought results and for the first time in the independence period in the last three months the country’s budget has been replenished by 500 million dollars.

What are your personal initiatives for optimization of the bilateral relations aimed at?
The Embassy was opened quite recently, only three months ago. A short time, but we have done a lot. Being the first ambassador is a great responsibility and my goal and the goal of the embassy as a whole is to implement the tasks I outlined. The relations between our two peoples in the spiritual sphere occupy a special place in our activities. Speaking of spiritual community, first of all we should note the devotion of Georgians and Bulgarians to the Orthodox values. Symbol and monument of these relations is the Bachkovo Monastery, built in the end of the 11th century by the Georgian brothers Bakuriani. The first Georgian theological seminary on the territory of Bulgaria was headed by the thinker and spiritual leader of the time Ioan Petritzi. Our forefathers have laid a solid ground for our future relations that we can call friendly with no exaggeration. An example of this is the cooperation between our countries’ leaders as well as between the heads of our autocephalous churches.

Does Bulgaria meet your expectations?
Undoubtedly. The combination of these values makes Bulgaria feel close and even like home.

Ralitza Zgalevska