On 7^th of February the Sudanese Embassy in Sofia celebrated the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Sudan and the Republic of Bulgaria and the 61^st anniversary of the independence of Sudan.

The concert on this occasion gathered in the Central Military Club, representatives of the diplomatic community from the country, officials and friends. It was realized in collaboration with the recently formed Bulgarian-Sudanese Friendship Association, and the journalist Georgi Milkov, member of the board of the association and Irena Varbanova from the Embassy of Sudan officially led the show.

On the opening H. E. Ms. Ilham Ibrahim Mohammed Ahmed, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Sudan in Bulgaria, addressed the guests with a welcoming speech. In it she said:

"It is a great pleasure and honor to welcome you on this happy event to celebrate the 60^th anniversary from the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Sudan and Bulgaria. Bulgaria is among the first European countries that recognized the independence and established diplomatic relations with Sudan. So it is not coincidentally that we talk about the historic and deep relations between the two countries and people. We remain committed to strengthening the cooperation and we hope for further strengthening of the bilateral relations at all levels.

Today's major event coincides with the 61th anniversary of the Independence of Sudan, when the flag of our sovereign country was erected as a symbol of the first African country south of the Sahara to receive its independence on January 1^st, 1956.

I am pleased to note the establishment of the Bulgarian-Sudanese Association for Friendship in April 2016 - the fruit of the tireless efforts of a few friends of Sudan in Bulgaria and the Sudanese community here who managed to institutionalize in an appropriate framework the longstanding friendship between the people of our countries. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere congratulations to the Association and its prominent members, represented by its Board of Directors and in particular to Mr. Georgi Spasov, its president, for his commitment and genuine efforts to promote and support the objectives and activities of the association.

I would also like to thank the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its assistance for that they provided us archival materials for the exhibition, and the Bulgarian National Television and the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency, for their responsiveness and the valuable historical material that we have here today".

From the Bulgarian side, an address on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Radi Naydenov, read Mr. Kostadin Kodzhabashev, Director General of "Bilateral Relations" at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria. In it, it was said:

"During these 60 years we have witnessed enormous changes in Europe and in Africa and the world as a whole. Changing governments and political systems, failed states and strategic alliances, new ones were built. Bulgaria and Sudan did not remain unaffected by the dynamics of these processes. Regardless of the trials and challenges of the time, despite the fact that the distance between our two countries is nearly 5000 km as the crow flies, this celebration testifies to the strength and vitality of the relations between us. One of the most important conditions for the successful development of the interstate relations is that the relationships and contacts at the state level meet the support of the respective societies. Bulgaria is favored by the fact that hundreds of Sudanese citizens have completed their higher education in the country - today they are the bridge that connects us stronger than any other form of official exchanges. If we celebrate the 60^th anniversary from the establishment of the diplomatic relations, this is due to a very large degree to the Bulgarian and Sudanese citizens who supported and continue to support the development of our bilateral relations.

The Republic of Bulgaria was one of the first countries in the world that recognized the independence of Sudan and established diplomatic relations with the independent Sudanese government. I will not hide that taking into account the regional importance of the Republic of Sudan, the Bulgarian side has always attached great importance to its relations with this multifaceted country, that is the most bright and natural link between the Arab world and the African countries. The current dynamic of the events in the region further underscores the important role of Sudan not only in Africa but also in terms of the problems in the Middle East. We are convinced that in view of its strategic geographical position, its millennial history, its rich resource base and natural resources, and last but not least the considerable human potential, Sudan will play an increasingly active role in the processes in this saturated with problems but also opportunities for future development, region.

I will take advantage of the occasion to assure all friends of Sudan in our country that the Bulgarian government will continue to actively seek new and adequate to the requirements of time forms to upgrade these relations.

In conclusion, I would like once again to express our gratitude to the organizers of today's celebration and wish them success in their future activities, to which we remain committed and ready for further cooperation..."

Mr. Georgi Spasov, chairman of the Bulgarian-Sudanese Friendship Association also greeted the guests and used the occasion to thank H. E.  Mrs. Ilham Ahmed for her help and support in expanding and deepening the ties between the two countries in the field of culture, science, education, health, business, tourism and other areas.

The guests had the opportunity to touch both Bulgarian and Sudanese cultures. The room was also an interesting exhibition with the most important moments in the history of the diplomatic relations between Sudan and Bulgaria. A short documentary about our bilateral relations over the years was presented. Its author is a journalist and member of the Managing Board of the Bulgarian-Sudanese Friendship Association - Mr. Georgi Milkov.

The journalist and translator of Sudanese origin Olya Al-Ahmed, read poems and one particular, written by her mother and presented it for the first time in public.

The modern ballet group “Sylvie" presented dances with elements of "Daychovo Dance" and "Bolero". The singer Maria Boteva greeted the crowd with a Bulgarian folk song and the ensemble "Lozen Youth" with a dance from the Sofia region.

Orlin Cholakov the Troubadour filled the room with his guitar and great voice.

Undoubtedly, the climax of the evening was the performance of the Sudanese violinist Othman Othman, who came especially for the event. He provoked strong emotions in the room, especially when at the end made a memorable performance along with Orlin Cholakov.

Photos above, 3, 4 and 5 are provided by the Embassy of the Republic of Sudan.

Photos 1, 2, 6, 7 and 8 - photographer Eliza Vasileva