On September 26, 2025, H. E. Mr. Modasar Chaudhry, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Republic of Bulgaria,

hosted an open-air reception in the garden of his residence on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Bulgaria.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on June 15, 1965.

The event was attended by official guests, including Mr. Atanas Zafirov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria; Mrs. Maria Angelieva, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Iliyan Yonchev, Member of Parliament and member of the Bulgaria–Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group; Mrs. Rositsa Kirova, Member of Parliament and former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly; and Mr. Solomon Passy, former Minister of Foreign Affairs. Also present were representatives of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and the Grand Mufti’s Office, senior officials from the state administration, ambassadors and chargés d’affaires, as well as representatives of civil society and the private sector.

1. E. Mr. Modasar Chaudhry first welcomed the guests with a "Welcome!" and thanked them for their presence, then stated:

Today we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries.

Today, the people of Bulgaria have chosen freedom, democracy, and a free-market economy.

Pakistan, too, has changed its course and now follows a balanced foreign policy based on the principles of international peace and cooperation, mutual respect for sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Bulgaria is an important partner for us both bilaterally and as a member of the EU and NATO.

A number of agreements between the two countries are being finalized and are expected to be signed in the coming months.

However, our bilateral trade, amounting to 250 million leva, has not yet reached its full potential due to the fact that it is conducted mainly through regional economic hubs.

This year, the world witnessed yet another nuclear crisis when India, under the false pretext of terrorism, attacked Pakistan but was appropriately repelled in Operation "Bunyan ul Marsus." Further escalation was avoided thanks to the intervention of the international community.

We seek peace and prosperity for our people. War is not in Pakistan’s interest.

This evening, we are not celebrating with great pomp due to the devastating floods that have displaced around two million Pakistanis and caused enormous damage to infrastructure, agricultural crops, and livestock.
Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, and India’s intent to use rivers and dams as weapons only worsens the situation.

In addition to the hardships faced by our compatriots, the ethnic cleansing of the population in Indian-occupied Kashmir, the genocide in Palestine, and the suffering of other innocent victims of conflicts around the world cast a shadow over the occasion.
Nevertheless, as we mark the anniversary of our diplomatic relations, we remain hopeful that diplomacy—not violence—will prevail in resolving these conflicts.

This evening, we will present to you Pakistani cuisine. We have strived to make it not only authentic but also entirely homemade. I hope you enjoy the tastes of Pakistan.

Once again, I thank you and my team at the embassy for making this evening possible.

On behalf of Bulgaria, greetings on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Bulgaria were delivered by Mr. Atanas Zafirov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria, and Mrs. Maria Angelieva, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

E. Mr. Modasar Chaudhry presented both of them with special Pakistani souvenirs - lamps made of pink Himalayan salt - as a token of gratitude and remembrance of the celebration.

Afterward, all guests at the reception enjoyed authentic Pakistani food and beverages specially prepared for the occasion.

Photos courtesy of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the Republic of Bulgaria.

Above: H. E. Mr. Modasar Chaudhry, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Republic of Bulgaria, presents a souvenir to Mr. Atanas Zafirov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria. Below: moments from the reception