Bulgaria's President Rumen Radev has awarded the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Bulgaria Aylin Sekizkök with the Order of the Madara Horseman, first degree, in the Coat of Arms Hall in the presidency. The highest state award is bestowed for the particularly great merits of the diplomat for the strengthening and development of bilateral relations between the two countries. 

"For Bulgaria, Turkey is a traditional important neighbor and friend, an ally in NATO, a strategic partner in a number of areas of mutual interest," the Bulgarian head of state stressed and highlighted the favorable development of relations between the two countries in recent years. Radev also stated that Turkey has become one of the leading trade and economic partners, but also a strategic investor for Bulgaria, and emphasized that he highly values Turkey's efforts to develop these relations. 

Aylin Sekizkök responded by quoting the words of the founder of the modern Turkish state that Bulgarians and Turks should remain friends and that those who are against Bulgaria are against Turkey, BTA reported.

The ambassador also touched on the topic of the ethnic Turks and Muslims in Bulgaria, saying that she tried to contact them personally and visit all parts of Bulgaria where they live. "They are extremely satisfied with the level of cooperation between the two countries and hope to contribute to the development of Bulgaria - their homeland," said the Turkish ambassador.