Dilma Rousseff Arrives to Her Father's Bulgaria

Brazil's Bulgaria-descended President Dilma Rousseff arrived at Sofia International Airport late Tuesday night. Photo by BGNES

Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff has landed in Sofia late Tuesday night for her first visit ever to Bulgaria, the home country of her father.

Rousseff landed at Sofia International Airport at about 11 pm Tuesday, where she was welcomed by Gen. Nikola Kolev, chief of staff of Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov.

This is the first visit ever of a Brazilian head of state to Bulgaria, also marking the 50th year since Bulgaria and Brazil restored their diplomatic relations. Rousseff is in Bulgaria less than a year after she became the first female President of Brazil.

Dilma Rousseff, the daughter of Bulgarian immigrant Petar Rusev (Pedro Rousseff), has been eagerly expected in Bulgaria, all the more so because she has made clear her good feelings towards the home country of her father.

Her visit is expected to give a boost to the relations between Bulgaria and Brazil, which do cannot boast much depth, especially when it comes to investment and trade.

On October 5, Rousseff will be welcomed by Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov, Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, and Parliament Chair Tsetska Tsacheva.

Parvanov will award Rousseff the highest Bulgarian state medal, "Stara Planina Order", 1st degree, while the Brazil President will present her Bulgarian counterpart with a Brazilian state order, "Southern Cross".

On October 6, on the second day of her visit, Dilma Rousseff will visit Veliko Tarnovo and Gabrovo, the birth place of her father.

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