The voyage of the Bulgarian naval research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421) to Antarctica is a historic event of value for both the Bulgarian navy and science, President Rumen Radev said Tuesday at the welcoming ceremony of RSV 421 in Varna, on the Black Sea. He congratulated the crew members for giving all Bulgarians a reason to be proud of them and for proving once again the high professionalism, moral strength and responsibility of the Bulgarian Navy.
"For decades, Bulgarian scientists and researchers with great professionalism and dedication have positioned Bulgaria on the White Continent and on the world map of scientific achievements, but very often their research ambition has been hampered by the country's limited logistical capabilities," the President said.
In his words, nowadays Bulgaria is taking a decisive step in establishing itself as a maritime state with increased ambitions and capabilities to participate in scientific research missions and expeditions.
Radev expressed his gratitude to the leadership of the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, the Bulagrian Navy and to Prof. Hristo Pimpirev and the scientific community for the constructive partnership established and for the efforts made for the acquisition, restoration and modernization of the research vessel. "Your cause has opened new, previously unthinkable, opportunities for Bulgaria in the field of scientific research, logistical support of expeditions, control of national maritime spaces, participation in various studies for marine ecology and for the needs of the maritime industry, as well as to solve specialized tasks for the needs of our Navy," Radev added.
The President expressed his deep gratitude to Prof. Pimpirev saying that with his high professionalism and boundless dedication to polar research and the Bulgarian programme, he has contributed to the success of this mission.
Radev greeted the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) for its innovative approach in covering the expedition. He also thanked the media for making Bulgarians aware of the historic success of Bulgaria, which is dedicated to world science and the progress of mankind.
The head of state awarded the crew of RSV 421 with the President's badge of honour for their significant contribution and participation in the maritime interdisciplinary research and for the successful completion of the mission of the 31st Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition. The same award was given to the participants of the 31st Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition, and it was presented to Prof. Pimpirev.
The Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Eftimov, presented Prof. Pimpirev and the ship's Commanding Officer, Captain Nikolay Danailov with plaques. He said that the return of the ship filled him with pride, faith and optimism. RSV 421's crew has set new horizons. The vision of Prof. Pimpirev and the Naval Academy in Varna has gotten Bulgaria in the elite club of the few countries that dared research Antarctica, Admiral Eftimov said.
/BR/
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