The Bulgarian National Assembly ratified, on 21st June, the Health Agreement signed in Sofia last March during the Grand Master’s State visit.

Based on the diplomatic relations established in November 1994, and with the cooperation of the Bulgarian Ministry of Health, the Agreement simplifies procedures for the Order of Malta’s medical and humanitarian assistance in Bulgaria, as well as its aid to medical centres and hospitals. The Order of Malta will also provide help during natural disasters.

The Agreement was signed on 17th March 2006 in the Presidential Palace in Sofia by the Order’s Grand Hospitaller, Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager, and the Bulgarian Minister of Health, Prof. Radoslav Gaydarski.

After the Foreign, Health and European Integration Commissions voted in its favour, the agreement was unanimously approved by the National Assembly.