Bulgarian President Georgi Purvanov presented Stara Planina order to National Movement for Stability and Progress (NMSP) leader Simeon Saxe-Coburg.

The order is the highest state distinction and is given to politicians, public figures and athletes.

Saxe-Coburg received the order for his contribution to democratic processes development, the reforms in the country and European Union (EU) and NATO accession, Bulgarian news agency BTA reported.

As head of Bulgarian government in the period from 2001 to 2005, Saxe-Coburg sufficiently contributed to the establishment of a new political regime and an atmosphere of political tolerance, Purvanov said.

Saxe-Coburg said that he had been doing his best to keep everything that is Bulgarian at a good level in his feelings and actions.

The trust between the leaders of the ruling coalition helped Bulgaria achieve many things and there is much else to be done to improve people's life.