H.E. Mr. Stefan Dimitrov, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Montenegro
Bulgaria and Montenegro nurture relations that go beyond protocol – a partnership built on trust, cultural connections, and a shared European journey
In a time of global challenges and changes that demand stronger regional cooperation and solidarity, the relations between Bulgaria and Montenegro stand out as an example of genuine partnership and mutual respect. The two countries, despite differences in size and historical experience, are united by similar visions for the future, common European values, and deeply rooted friendship between their peoples.
Since the moment Bulgaria was among the first to recognize Montenegro’s independence, their relations have consistently developed in the spirit of understanding, open dialogue, and tangible cooperation. Today, these relations span a wide range of areas – from politics and the economy to culture, education, innovation, and digital technologies. Every meeting and joint project further strengthens the bridges connecting the two states, making them reliable partners on both European and regional levels.
That is why Bulgaria’s Ambassador to Montenegro, H.E. Stefan Dimitrov, speaks with particular dedication about the joint efforts to strengthen cooperation, the cultural and humanitarian ties that transcend borders, and Bulgaria’s support for Montenegro’s European path. His words reflect a spirit of friendship as well as a deep conviction that collaboration, understanding, and dialogue are the foundation for a stable future in our region.
On current priorities, projects that bring people together, and the vision of a shared European home, Ambassador Dimitrov speaks as a diplomat whose mission in Montenegro demonstrates that diplomacy, when rooted in sincerity and respect, becomes a true bridge between peoples.
JOINT INTERESTS AND CONCRETE COOPERATION
How do you assess the current relations between Bulgaria and Montenegro, and which areas of cooperation do you consider the most promising in the coming years?
It would not be an exaggeration to say that our two countries are an example of problem-free relations in the region of Southeastern Europe. Our dialogue is active and dynamic, especially at the highest political level. During my two-year mandate in Montenegro, we have had regular exchanges of visits between presidents and prime ministers, speakers of parliaments, as well as ministers of culture, tourism, and other departments. The most recent example is the successful visit of the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Rosen Zhelyazkov, and three ministers – the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Transport, the Minister of Tourism, and the Minister of Health – to Podgorica in September. During the visit of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov to the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajić, an Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between Bulgaria and Montenegro was signed. We are striving to maintain the momentum created by our high-level officials and to translate it into concrete steps toward strengthening cooperation in various areas. Our current efforts are focused on establishing a regular air route between Sofia and Podgorica. Connectivity is the key word of today – a conditio sine qua non for a better business environment. We are exploring different possibilities, and a joint working group of experts from both countries has been formed to propose the most feasible solution. I sincerely hope that this connection will soon become a reality.
Bulgaria was among the first countries to recognize Montenegro’s independence. How do you assess the development of our relations during these years of independence?
From the very beginning of Montenegro’s independence, Bulgaria has been one of its strongest allies, relying on the centuries-old ties between our peoples. We were among the first countries to open an embassy in Podgorica. Over the past two decades, our relations have made significant progress in all areas. Political dialogue has been ongoing at various levels, including the highest ones. Both countries have gone through democratic transitions and internal reforms, which have further encouraged cooperation. This is the best proof that our relations are built on solid and lasting foundations.
THE BRIDGE OF HUMANITY
Which projects today symbolically represent the bridges of friendship between Bulgaria and Montenegro?
Friendship can be expressed in many ways, but I deeply believe that the most beautiful among them is direct contact between people. A tragic event more than twenty years ago permanently connected our peoples – the loss of 12 Bulgarian students whose bus fell into the Lim River near Bijelo Polje. The heroic act of the local population, who rushed to help and save the children without hesitation, has been forever engraved in the collective memory of the Bulgarian people. This bridge of humanity is renewed every year – the families and relatives of the deceased children come to the commemoration in Bijelo Polje, where local authorities and citizens always welcome them with great warmth and compassion. In addition to this powerful symbol of humanity, we are also strengthening our relations through concrete projects – cultural and educational exchanges, visits by artists, painters, musicians, and performers. Furthermore, Montenegro is one of the priority countries for Bulgaria’s development cooperation. Every year, we finance various projects through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) Program, aimed at sustainable development, support for civil society, entrepreneurship, and local self-government. Between 2019 and 2024, Bulgaria allocated more than 400,000 euros to Montenegro for 13 projects that have been completed or are in their final stages.
How do you assess the cooperation in the fields of tourism, energy, and digital technologies?
Bulgaria and Montenegro are recognized as leading tourist destinations in the region, and our goal is to further strengthen this sector through joint efforts. We have launched joint tourism products aimed at visitors from third countries, thereby promoting our destinations on global markets. When it comes to digital technologies, discussions are underway about connecting startup companies from both countries to jointly develop innovative projects in this promising sector.
Culture and education often connect nations more strongly than politics. How do these areas contribute to mutual understanding between our countries?
No matter how simple it may sound, I deeply believe that young people are the future of every country. Investing in education means investing in the future. We need to encourage the exchange of pupils and students between our schools and universities and enable young people to meet and collaborate. Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, scientists, entrepreneurs, and engineers who will shape the destiny of our countries. Culture, on the other hand, represents the soul of a nation – its identity card before the world. Opening up to the culture and traditions of another country means building a bridge of understanding. That is why we attach great importance to cultural exchange. We want to present to our audiences the best that Bulgaria and Montenegro have to offer in the fields of art and creativity, and to show how close we actually are, even though we have known each other too little until now. Among numerous examples of successful cooperation, I would highlight last year’s visit by the State Opera and Ballet from Ruse, the Bulgarian Culture Week in Montenegro, as well as the erection of a monument to Ivan Vazov, the famous Bulgarian writer and poet, in Cetinje.
How does Bulgaria view Montenegro’s European path and how can it support its progress toward EU membership?
Bulgaria’s unwavering support for Montenegro’s European integration forms the foundation of our mutual trust. Over the past two years, Montenegro has made impressive progress in accession negotiations, demonstrating that genuine commitment to reforms brings tangible results. Bulgaria wants to see Montenegro as a full-fledged member of the European Union – a family to which it naturally belongs. We are ready to share our experience and expertise gained during our own accession process. The enlargement policy benefits all member states – both old and new – and represents the most successful mechanism that has fundamentally transformed Southeast Europe in recent decades. When Montenegro becomes the 28th EU member, it will join a circle of friends in which Bulgaria holds a special place.
SHARED VALUES
Which values and traits most strongly connect Bulgarians and Montenegrins?
We often forget how similar the Balkan peoples are, despite a complex and sometimes difficult history. Traits that connect Bulgarians and Montenegrins include strong family ties and intergenerational continuity, love for one’s homeland, and respect for tradition. Above all, there is warmth, hospitality, and openness to the world.
What personally inspires you the most in your work in Montenegro and in your encounters with its citizens?
In one word – love. Love for the beauty of this remarkable country, for its generous and receptive people, in both towns and villages. It is the feeling of having found a second home – one you didn’t even know existed until you stepped into it.
If you had to describe the bridge of friendship between Bulgaria and Montenegro in one sentence, what would it be?
This is probably the most difficult question, but I would say it is an old bridge, built on friendship, mutual respect, and a shared ambition to be part of the same family – the European Union – which continues to grow.