On 1 March 2024, the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria conducted a solemn reception, dedicated to the Day of Liberation of Bulgaria – 3 March. The event was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, the Presidential institution, the Parliament and the Government of Lebanon, other Lebanese state institutions, representatives of the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Internal Security Forces, local authorities, international organizations, civil society organizations and others. Among the guests were the ambassadors of EU, US, Canada, France, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Norway, Hungary, Belgium, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Turkiye, Republic of Korea, Japan, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, India, Chile, Mexico, Cuba, Australia, the Charge d’Affaires of Ukraine in Lebanon, heads and deputy heads of missions of states in the Persian Gulf, the mayor of Beirut and others.

In his greeting remarks to the guests, Ambassador Iassen Tomov recalled the changes in Bulgaria after 1989, emphasized the values of freedom and recognition of the freedom of choice, the unequivocal rights of peoples for life in peace and dignity, for a development and prosperity based on the rule of law, the right for healthcare, education, science, culture and art. Ambassador Tomov stressed the rich history and culture of Lebanon, the hospitality of the Lebanese people, its resilience against crisis of different kind, as well as the ability of the Lebanese people to provide for immediate solutions for contemporary challenges of different nature. 

The guests received “Martenitsa”s and were introduced to the ancient Bulgarian tradition of for the fest of 1 March, celebrated also allover Romania and Moldova, and parts of Republic of North Macedonia as well. The solemn event took place at the Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut.