US Ambassador Awards Bulgarian Officer over Joint Drills

US Ambassador in Sofia James Warlick has awarded a Bulgarian army officer, Iavor Mateev, for his contribution to boosting the military ties between Bulgaria and the USA.

Col. Mateev, who is currently the head of the Joint Military Facilities Department at the Bulgarian Defense Ministry, received a US State Department Tribute of Appreciation Certificate at a reception at Warlick's residence on September 4, 2012.

"During my time as Ambassador, I saw military-to-military exercises double in number and a large increase in our joint training, due in no small part to the efforts of Colonel Mateev and his colleagues at the Joint Facilities Department," said Ambassador Warlick, whose term is set to expire on September 15, 2012.

"As Co-chairman of the Executive Committee under the U.S. - Bulgarian Joint Commission, Colonel Mateev has been an outstanding advocate of the bilateral military relationship between the Bulgaria and the United States. I am so pleased today to be able to recognize Colonel Mateev for all of his hard work and dedication; he is a true friend of the United States," His Excellency added.

"Bulgaria's participation in NATO and EU missions, Bulgaria's commitment to preserving stability in the Balkans, and the encouragement it has given Middle Eastern nations in their transition to democracy, have further bonded our two countries together as allies and friends," Ambassador Warlick said.

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