President Radev hosts the traditional Iftar dinner in Sofia

The coming days and weeks are a time not only for fasting and prayer, but also for reflection, Bulgaria’s Head of State Rumen Radev said on March 11. He hosted the Iftar dinner in the capital on the occasion of the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims.

It is attended by representatives of the Muslim community, other traditional faiths, the diplomatic corps, figures from the spheres of spirituality, culture, education and science, and public figures.

"At a time of dramatic hardship, today's event is an occasion to call for peace and understanding, support for those in distress in military conflicts. I would like to express my gratitude to you, the spiritual leaders, for your awareness of the highly responsible mission," Radev said.

"I want to express my gratitude to the presidential institution. I will not get tired of repeating that the Bulgarian people are an example of tolerance amid the ongoing wars," Chief Mufti Mustafa Haji also said.

"It falls to us religious leaders to lead people on the path of faith, and for them to keep their hearts from bad thoughts and intentions," he added.

Images by BTA