“I thanked President Radev for Bulgaria's support of the WTO,” DG Azevêdo said. “I also expressed my appreciation for Bulgaria's active participation in the organization. Trade is an important driver of the Bulgarian economy. However, the current situation in global trade is dampening demand in some key markets. With all of this in mind, it is important that we keep working to strengthen global trade and the multilateral trading system. Bulgaria's continued support in this effort will be vital.”

Bulgaria became a member of the WTO on 1 December 1996.