The Beginning: Decree No. 1 and the First Diplomats
On July 19th, we celebrate the Day of the Diplomatic Service of Bulgaria. On this date in 1879, Decree No. 1 of Prince Alexander I Battenberg marked the beginning of the country's foreign policy administration.
"Bulgarian diplomacy consistently defends national interests and establishes the country as a respected member of the international community."
Evolution of Diplomatic Ranks
- 1879-1908: Period of "diplomatic agents."
- After 1908: With the declaration of independence, agents became "envoys extraordinary" and "ministers plenipotentiary."
- 1947: After the Paris Peace Treaty, representations were transformed into embassies, and diplomats into ambassadors.
Curious Facts
An interesting historical fact is the connection between BTA (Bulgarian News Agency) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The agency began its operations as a subdivision of the ministry, and its first correspondents, including Yordan Yovkov, were active diplomats. In honor of the holiday, BTA donated its official "LIK" font to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for free use by public institutions.