The Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Sofia presented a special award to His Majesty Tsar Simeon II

on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Bulgaria. The award recognized him as the "brightest and most inspiring symbol" of the longstanding relations between the two countries.

The award was presented on 16 July 2026 during the Embassy's reception celebrating Egypt's National Day, held in the Opal Hall of the Ramada Sofia Hotel.

At the highlight of the evening, and as a surprise to the guests in attendance, H.E. Mr. Nader Saad, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Republic of Bulgaria, announced the award with the following words:

"The presentation of the centennial award

Bestowed upon a truly iconic figure in the history of the Egyptian Bulgarian relations.

When he left his country at the age of 9, he found a second home on the welcoming shores of Alexandria.

In the vibrant streets of that ancient Mediterranean city where he experienced the warmth and generosity of Egypt and its people, he spent formative years of his childhood.

He walked the streets of a city where civilizations have met for millennia, studied at Victoria College, and carried with him the warmth of Egyptian kindness through decades of living abroad.

Egypt did not merely offer him shelter — it embraced him as one of its own, planting the seeds of a lifelong affection for Egypt that would one day blossom into stronger ties between our nations.

He has carried that spirit of connection throughout his extraordinary life.

And when he returned to Bulgaria and assumed the responsibilities of Prime Minister, he carried with him a vision of openness, reconciliation, and international partnership.

His leadership helped guide Bulgaria toward greater integration with the world.

He also transformed his cherished memories in Alexandria into lasting bridges of understanding and cooperation between Egypt and Bulgaria.

And today, this award, struck in honor of 100 years of diplomatic relations, is exclusively presented to him, not only as recognition of the centennial, but also as a heartfelt tribute to the unique role he has played in bringing our two peoples closer together.

And to the grace, resilience, and wisdom with which he has lived his remarkable journey — a journey that began in part on Egyptian soil and continues to inspire the people in both nations.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

With profound respect and affection, I am so honored to announce that the Embassy in Sofia confers the exclusive centennial award upon the most distinguished and inspiring symbol of our relations.

His Majesty King Simeon ||."

The presentation of the award was met with enthusiastic applause from the guests in attendance and accompanied by a fireworks display.

The photographs are courtesy of the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Above: His Majesty Tsar Simeon II (center), Mr. Alexander Pulev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry (left), and H.E. Mr. Nader Saad, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Republic of Bulgaria (right), during the presentation of the award.