World Federation of Consuls (FICAC) Central and Eastern Europe Meeting, Sofia

World Federation of Consuls FICAC Central and Eastern Europe Meeting Sofia – World Capital of the Honorary Consuls

*picture: Dr Christo Iliev, HC of Republic of Mauritius to Bulgaria, awarded with special plaque of appreciation by FICAC for his dedication and support. Photos from the event can be seen in the Gallery section.

Between 13-15 of June, the first meeting of the board of the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC), organized in collaboration with the Association of the Honorary Consuls in Bulgaria (AHCB) took place in Sofia. The HC of Republic of Mauritius to Bulgaria, Dr Christo Iliev, as Board Member of the Association of Honorary Consuls was host and organizer. The event was attended by nearly 100 honorary consuls from 36 countries, diplomats, ministers, and other representatives from the business and political circles from all over the world.

This is one of the most major projects of its kind that has occurred in Bulgaria. The first day of the conference included FICAC Board Meeting, press conference, a special meeting with HRH Simeon II and a Gala Dinner for FICAC and AHCB members.

The culmination of the forum was the second day with the FICAC Central and Eastern Europe Meeting. Prominent politicians and business leaders discussed the political situation, the business opportunities and the future of the region. The main topic was the importance of the good relationships between the countries and the role of the honorary consuls.

Among the special guests and the keynote speakers were:

• H.E. Aykut Eken– President of FICAC, Honorary Consul General of Jamaica in Turkey;

• H.E. Borislav Boyanov – President of AHCB, Honorary Consul General of Malta;

• Mr. Rosen Jeliazkov - Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications of Bulgaria;

• H.E. Nikolay Vassilev, Deputy Prime Minister of Economy (2001-2003) and Minister of Transport and Communications (2003-2005), Honorary Consul of Slovenia, Managing Partner and Executive Director ExpatCapital;

• Mr. Levon Hampartzumyan, former CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, Unicredit Bulbank;

• H.E. Maxim Behar, Honorary Consul General of Seychelles, VP and Spokesperson of the Bulgarian Association, Chairman of PR & Media Committee of FICAC;

• H.E. Nikolaos Margaropoulos, FICAC Secretary-General, Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Greece

• Mr. Stamen Yanev, Executive Director of InvestBulgaria Agency.

Many additional activities were organized to keep the participants entertained during their stay such as a complimentary tour of Sofia, wine tasting, tour to Asian cultural exhibition in Sofia Central Park, a one-day trip to the city of Plovdiv.

The Forum was widely covered by the media and very beneficial to all involved in the organization.

Almost 100 honorary consuls, diplomats, ministers and other representatives from business and political circles from around the world took part in the forum, which lasted for 3 days. At the culminating event, prominent politicians and business leaders discussed the political environment, business opportunities and the future of the region. The main theme of the forum was the importance of good relations between countries and the role of honorary consuls in them.

HC Hristo Iliev was awarded by FICAC with a special plaque of appreciation for his dedication and support.

Photos from the event can be viewed in the Gallery section.