Bulgaria has appointed a new ambassador to Ukraine after a nearly four-and-a-half-year gap, with Zlatin Krastev presenting copies of his credentials to Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Olexandr Mischenko.
The ceremony was held shortly after Krastev arrived in Kyiv on July 31. The Bulgarian embassy said the swift organization of the meeting reflected the importance Ukraine attaches to bilateral relations with Bulgaria.
Krastev is the first Bulgarian ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. During his talks with Mischenko, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen political dialogue, expand economic cooperation, improve transport and energy links, and exchange experience in defense innovation.
Security in the Black Sea region was among the key topics, including measures to ensure safe commercial shipping. Bulgaria reaffirmed its continued support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as efforts to achieve a lasting and just peace.
The discussions also covered Bulgaria’s experience in the European Union accession process, the role of the Bulgarian community in Ukraine in strengthening bilateral ties, and the possibility of holding consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries in the near future.
