On the 22^nd of March 2018 H. E. Mr. Grigorios Vassiloconstantakis, Ambassador of Greece to Bulgaria and his wife gave a reception on the occasion of the 197th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Greece in Sofia Hotel Balkan.

The reception was honored by the Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria - Mrs. Iliyana Yotova, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs - Mrs. Emilia Kraleva, ambassadors, diplomats, church representatives, officials, businessmen, journalists and representatives of many Greek communities in Bulgaria.

In his address to the guests HE. Mr. Grigorios Vassilokonstantakis noted that Greece's foreign policy is active and multidimensional, focusing on the opening of new channels of communication and cooperation at multilateral level. Today, both the historical and cultural relations between Greece and Bulgaria are intensifying as both sides develop strategic and political cooperation at a high level, friendship and mutual understanding. The Ambassador emphasized: "Our countries are also working together at both European and Euro-Atlantic levels within many regional organizations and initiatives. Our country does not save efforts in supporting Bulgaria to implement its integration into global organizations and today the two countries share common positions on the European agenda and support each other. Allow me to congratulate the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU, who are making very serious efforts and coping with the challenge by working in a productive way for both Europe and Bulgaria."

For the 8th consecutive year the reception was supported by the Hellenic Business Council in Bulgaria. More than 500 guests have the opportunity to sample Greek cuisine and enjoy the wines of a famous winery in the region of Drama.

HBCB greatly appreciates the kind support of the participants and also its patron companies: ΕΚΟ Bulgaria, Chipita Bulgaria, Coca Cola HBC, ETEM, Postbank, Intralot Bulgaria and Piraeus Bank.