National Day Message by H. E. Mr. Seyed Mohammad Javad Rasuli, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Bulgaria

In the Name of God

Dear friends,

This week our nation is celebrating the victory of a revolution-led by Grand Ayatollah Imam Khomeini- that was the triumph of the will and self-belief of our people, who, against all odds, overthrew a tyrannical foreign-backed regime.

43 years ago, a decades-long national struggle for self-determination; for a modern (but nationally decided) system of governance; and for an independent foreign policy, came into fruition in the form of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In an era that was characterized by fierce rivalry between two superpowers, their respective ideologies, and their spheres of influence, the Islamic Revolution of the Iranian nation presented a new model- a third way, best encapsulated in the historic and ever-lasting mottos of the Reveloution: Independence, freedom and Islamic Republic & Neither East, Nor West .

 Inside the country, for the first time in our history, our people were able to attain a right to determine their destiny in a system that created a delicate and meaningful synthesis of our national identity and Islamic values. Also, in the international arena, the Islamic Revolution was a voice of reason, independence, and rejection of foreign interference and dominance.

More than four decades on, those values continue to guide us. As a result of that and thanks to the resilience of our nation, today the Islamic Republic as a mature system is in its most powerful state ever, and has become an indispensable and responsible actor, a force of good, and an anchor of stability in the region and beyond.

In the fifth decade of its life, the Islamic Republic of Iran has managed, despite all the conspiracies and obstacles created by enemies that still persist, to achieve many scientific, economic and technological achievements according to the statistics of prestigious international institutions that show Iran's comprehensive progress and development, especially in the field of science and technology.

The government and the Iranian people are proud the last 43 years have shown that, wherever negotiations have taken place, based on mutual respect and honesty, the agreements were kept alive; that when faced with maximum repressive pressure, responded with maximum and heroic resistance; that when the homeland and its interests are intimidated, they crush the hegemony of the enemy with unparalleled courage and determination and give an unforgettable lesson to the aggressors.

Dear friends,

With heroic sacrifice at the forefront of the fight against the sinister phenomena of terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking and heavy material and spiritual costs, the Islamic Republic of Iran has played an irreplaceable role in ensuring stability and security in the region and the world. In this regard, we note the memory of national and transnational hero in the fight against terrorism and extremism, martyr General Qasem Soleimaniand all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives, to ensure peace and security in the region and the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year we will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Iran and Bulgaria. During these years, relations between the two countries have always been peaceful and based on mutual respect. I hope that in the New Year, in cooperation with the new Bulgarian government, we will be able to further develop relations between the two countries.

With its strategic geographical location and its vast natural resources, human potential and large market, the Islamic Republic of Iran has a virgin and large capacity to develop and expand economic and trade cooperation in all areas with the Republic of Bulgaria. I believe that through cooperation between us, we can witness the growing realization of these capabilities in the interests of the peoples of both countries.

In conclusion, I emphasis the ever-growing friendship between the two countries and wish well-being and prosperity to both nations.

Thank you for your attention!

The photo was provided by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Republic of Bulgaria. On it: H. E. Mr. Seyed Mohammad Javad Rasuli, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Bulgaria