A day before leaving Bulgaria, the outgoing US Ambassador in Sofia, Nancy McEldowney, said in a departure statement that the bilateral relations had never been better.

Her Excellency is returning to Washington, D.C., in order to become the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. Here is the full text of her departure statement:

Departure Statement by Ambassador Nancy McEldowney
July 30, 2009

The relationship between Bulgaria and the United States is better than ever before. Today our strategic partnership encompasses every issue of importance to our governments and our people. From defense collaboration and reform to increased trade and energy security to educational exchanges and joint promotion of democratic principles and rule of law, we stand together as allies and friends.

During my tenure as American Ambassador to Bulgaria, it has been a great privilege to contribute to this partnership. With new governments now in place in both Washington and Sofia, we are well positioned to accelerate and intensify our cooperation and I am confident this will occur in the weeks and months ahead.

I depart Bulgaria deeply gratified by the progress we have achieved together and filled with optimism for the future. I will never forget the warmth, the hospitality, and the true friendship that my family and I encountered throughout this beautiful country. And I know that our common struggle to make the right things happen for and between our countries will lead to ever greater accomplishments.

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