120 years ago Bulgaria and the United States established diplomatic relations.
On September 19, 1903, Bulgarian Prince Ferdinand accepted the Letters of Credence of John B. Jackson, the US Minister Plenipotentiary for Greece, Romania and Serbia, who became the first US diplomatic representative for Bulgaria.
The progress of the bilateral relations encouraged the Bulgarian authorities to open a legation in the United States. Stefan Panaretov, a prominent Bulgarian intellectual, scientist, public figure and diplomat, was appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to Washington, D.C. and presented his Letters of Credence to President Woodrow Wilson on 10 December 1914. The two countries reaffirmed cordial relations between their people and a shared commitment for the development of political, commercial, and cultural relations.
In the following decades, Bulgaria’s bilateral relations with the United States went through different historical periods. But the people-to-people ties remained a timeless symbol of the strength of the relationship between Bulgaria and the United States.
Today, Bulgaria and the United States are Allies, friends and strategic partners, united by shared values and a common vision for the future. We are stronger together in addressing the regional and global challenges both bilaterally and within international organizations.