We celebrated the 20th anniversary of Bulgaria’s membership in NATO and the enduring Bulgarian-American friendship with an exclusive concert at the iconic Anderson House in Washington, DC. The concert featured the world-renowned Bulgarian harpist Prof. Suzanna Klintcharova and American violinist Emera Kandybin.
The evening started with welcoming remarks by Ambassador Georgi Panayotov, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Sonata Coulter, and Paul Newman, museum collections and operations manager at Anderson House.
Ambassador Panayotov highlighted Bulgaria’s NATO membership as a symbol of our journey towards a free, democratic, and secure world, one to which Bulgaria rightfully belongs. He recalled the preamble of the Washington Treaty, in which the Parties to the Treaty reaffirm their faith in the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and their desire to live in peace with all peoples and all governments. They are determined to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilisation of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law.
All of this, including the pledge of collective defense and commitment to peace and security, is particularly important today against the backdrop of ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Sonata Coulter echoed Ambassador Panayotov’s remarks, saying it is an honor to mark Bulgaria’s 20th anniversary in NATO in such a meaningful place for the U.S. capital. “Bulgaria holds a significant place within the NATO family of nations, and has made invaluable contributions to our shared security,” she stated. “We continue to strengthen our successful bilateral relations and defense partnership within NATO to safeguard our freedom and sovereignty together into the future,” Coulter emphasized.
Mr. Newman noted that the historic Anderson House was once home to an American diplomat and has hosted distinguished figures from American and world history, including Churchill and President Nixon.
A heartfelt greeting, moving for both Bulgarians and Americans, was given by the Orphea Ensemble.
The virtuosity, the exquisite musical experience, and the elegance of the ballroom made for a memorable evening. Among the attendees were representatives of U.S. institutions, diplomatic missions, leading think tanks, and friends of Bulgaria.
