Bulgarian National Day Celebrated in Tbilisi with Singer Yanka Rupkina

On March 1, the Bulgarian Embassy in Tbilisi marked the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria (normally, March 3), at the Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University.

Her Excellency, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Dessislava Ivanova, opened the evening. “The 3rd of March, 1878, is a commemorative day for all Bulgarians, when a preliminary treaty between Russia, its allies Serbia, Romania and Montenegro, and the Ottoman Empire was signed at San Stefano near Istanbul. The treaty put an end to the Russian-Turkish War (1877-1878) and marked the rebirth of the Bulgarian state. People from all nations in the Russian empire participated voluntarily and selflessly in this war with the desire to liberate their Christian brothers on the Balkans.”

The first Bulgarian state was established in 681 and existed until the 11th century, whilst the second lasted until the 14th. “The 3rd of March has always been regarded by all Bulgarian as the day of rebirth of Bulgaria as a modern sovereign state,” the ambassador said.

The Ambassador also talked about the bilateral relations between the two countries. The first representation was a consulate general that existed in 1999-2000. She recalled that the Bulgarian embassy was opened in Georgia in 2003.

“Since 1992, 35 treaties have been signed between the two countries,” Ivanova said. “In 2004, Bulgaria was among the founders of the New Friends of Georgia group. Our country is among the first EU member states to ratify Georgia’s Association Agreement with the EU,” she said, going on to stress the tight bilateral relations, and mentioning that Bulgaria is among Georgia’s eighth biggest trade partner. She also mentioned that from January 1st, this year, Bulgaria is the NATO contact point country, whilst in 2018, it will undertake the presidency of the EU.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Jejelava, spoke on behalf of the Georgian government: “Bulgaria has been a great supporter of our independence, statehood and EU-Atlantic aspiration throughout 25 years. Bulgaria has been in the avant-garde of the countries that has extended friendship and support for the renewed Georgian independence. In all international projects, [including] political aspirations and economic projects and all partnerships, Bulgaria has been an exemplary friend for Georgia and we are very grateful for that”.

The official speeches were followed by the concert of Yanka Rupkina, a renowned Bulgarian folk singers and winner of many national and international awards, including a Grammy. In the interludes, the Georgian dance ensemble Nartebi presented a rich program of regional dances, with scenes of remarkably beautiful places in Bulgaria on the screen behind them.

Rupkina has made recordings with numerous famous composers and musicians, including Chris de Burgh, Kate Bush, George Harrison, Linda Ronstadt and Transglobal Underground. GEORGIA TODAY spoke to her after her concert: “It is my second visit to Georgia, however, I sang for the first time here today. I like Georgia very much. I admire your folk songs and once sang with your national trio Mandili”.

Maka Lomadze