South Africa Embassy Sofia Bulgaria

For 11 years South Africa did not have an ambassador heading our Mission in Sofia. My arrival as Ambassador in April 2009 has again put bilateral relations between South Africa and Bulgaria on an equal footing and gives us a platform to expand the relationship. This is the mandate given to me by my government and it is my goal to do just that.

There is plenty of fertile ground and every reason for trade and cultural and political ties between our two countries to broaden.

Both our countries come from troubled political backgrounds which ended in the early 90’s. We both experienced a difficult transition to full democracy and now we are both focused on the healthy development of our economies within a free and democratic framework.

I will work to ensure that Bulgaria regards South Africa as an important and reliable partner in Africa and that Bulgaria becomes a major focus for South Africa in Eastern Europe within the context of the European Union. We see our new website as an important tool in broadening knowledge in Bulgaria about our country.

We are expanding our mission in Sofia and working to increase trade between South Africa and Bulgaria. More cultural exchanges should follow and our priority is to ensure reciprocal visits by top government leaders in order to reactivate the many agreements that exist between the two countries.

Much work needs to be done but I am looking forward to the challenge.