The newly-appointed Bulgarian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Lyubomir Kyuchukov, presented his credentials to the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, at an official ceremony in Buckingham Palace.

During the audience on Thursday, the Queen expressed her interest in the changes in Bulgaria following its accession to the European Union, asking about the reforms and economic development and its efforts to overcome the consequences of the world economic crisis.

The Ambassador and the Queen exchanged opinions on the opportunities for British citizens to invest in Bulgaria, especially in tourism and real estate. They also discussed conditions for improved communication and getting to know better the people of both countries.

At the reception that followed, the diplomatic corps Marshal emphasized the good bilateral relations enjoyed by the UK and Bulgaria, and expressed his hope that they would further develop in the future.

Over 200 guests attended the event, among them several other ambassadors and diplomats, politicians and civic officials, business and cultural personalities, and members of London’s Bulgarian community.

Ambassador Kyuchukov was appointed to his position in the closing days of the previous Bulgarian government. Recently, as Novinite.com has previously reported, the Bulgarian conservative “Order, Law and Justice “ Party (RZS) demanded that he be recalled from London, alleging his involvement in election mismanagement. This request has so far been refused.

Born in 1955, Lyubomir Kyuchukov graduated the Moscow state Institute of International Relations and Georgetown University, USA. He has held served several institutions in Bulgaria, including the Foreign Ministry and the Council of Ministers. He is married, with 2 children.

[Editor’s note: the full formal title for this ambassadorial position is: Ambassador Extraordinary and Envoy Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.]