Susan Fallatko, the Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria, is handing over the post to Martin Mcdowell.

Susan Falatko, the Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria, announced that she is leaving the country after the completion of her term. Falatko noted several achievements in the bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and Bulgaria over the past three months. She cited the arrival of the first Bulgarian F-16 fighter as an important step, marking significant progress in the modernization of the Bulgarian military. Falatko also underscored the successful agreement on sharing information about illegal entry into Bulgaria by potential terrorists and criminals, as well as the participation of local companies in Westinghouse's project for a reactor at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant.

The Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy stated that she is confident the pace of progress in bilateral cooperation will be maintained under the leadership of the new Interim Chargé d'Affaires, Martin Mc Dowell. Mc Dowell is an experienced diplomat with an extensive career at the U.S. Department of State, including overseas assignments at the U.S. Embassies in Slovakia, El Salvador, Moldova, and Slovenia. He has held positions such as Deputy Director in the Office of Central European Affairs, Special Assistant for Europe in the Office of the Deputy Secretary for Political Affairs, as well as Norway and Sweden Desk Officer.

The U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria has been without a permanent Ambassador for 4 years. Kenneth Merten left the post in January 2023, after which Susan Falatko and now Martin Mc Dowell have taken over the temporary management of the mission. Mc Dowell will continue the commitment to deepen the economic, defense, and cultural ties between the two countries.