site.btaUPDATED President Rumen Radev Presentes National Flag to Participants in 32nd Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition

At a special ceremony on Tuesday, President Rumen Radev presented the national flag to the participants in the 32nd Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition. Ambassadors of foreign countries were also present at the ceremony.

"It is a privilege for me to host the 32nd Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition," said the President. He pointed out that this year's expedition is the richest in terms of participants. Radev also expressed his deep appreciation for the work of Prof. Hristo Pimpirev, Director of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute. In his speech, the head of State also stressed the importance of the  Bulgarian naval research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421).

Radev also stated that the study of Antarctica is not a whim of scientific enthusiasts, but a key to the sustainable development of the planet, to the fight against climate change, to the fight for a more stable and prosperous future.

He added that the main driving force of Bulgarian scientists has always been their high ambition to contribute with their discoveries not only to science in Bulgaria, but also to the world.

The President also noted the increased international presence: "Turkiye has already confirmed its participation in our expeditions with a scientist this year", he pointed out , adding that an intensive exchange of experience with Greece is also taking place. The head of State also thanked the ambassadors of Spain, Argentina, Brazil and Portugal for providing "substantial logistical and moral support for our expedition".

Antarctica is increasingly turning into a continent of peace, Radev argued.

"I expect that the most important and exciting meetings with the white continent are yet to come," the President said at the end of his speech. He wished the Bulgarian researchers a successful expedition and a safe return.

"We are going to strengthen the name of Bulgaria as a polar nation," said Prof. Hristo Pimpirev. He stressed that Bulgarian research contributes to tackling climate problems. 

Prof. Pimpirev thanked the presidential institution for its support. 

Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy Rector Flotilla Admiral Prof. Boyan Mednikarov presented Rumen Radev with a model of the RSV 421 ship. Mednikarov informed that the vessel was located about 1,000 miles from Mar del Plata, Argentina. 

Within the framework of the 32nd Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition, research will be carried out by scientists from the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute, Sofia University, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the National Sports Academy and the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy. Senior video editor from the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Emil Granicharov, who attended the ceremony at  the presidency, will also be one of the participants this year.