MiG-29, F-16 and “Spartan” to accompany remains of Tsar Samuel to Sofia
The remains will be handed over in Thessaloniki on 3 October and will be welcomed with a state ceremony in Sofia the same day.
Bulgaria will hold a state reception on Knyaz Aleksandar I square in Sofia on 3 October for the remains of Tsar Samuel. The medieval ruler's remains are to be formally handed over to Bulgaria earlier that day during an official ceremony at the Museum of Byzantine Culture in Thessaloniki, and will be welcomed in Sofia later the same day.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will attend the ceremony in Thessaloniki. After the military transport aircraft "Spartan" carrying the remains enters Bulgarian airspace it will be intercepted and escorted by two pairs of fighter jets — MiG-29 and F-16. The formation is scheduled to fly over Knyaz Aleksandar I square at noon.
Arrival and state protocol
Once the Spartan lands, the fighter jets will perform an additional flyover above the square. From Vasil Levski airport in Sofia to Knyaz Aleksandar I square the remains will be carried by soldiers of the Bulgarian army.
During the state ceremony titled "Bulgaria welcomes Tsar Samuel", Prime Minister Rumen Radev will deliver a speech. The national anthem will be accompanied by 21 artillery salutes.
After the official part of the program a procession will move to the Church of Saint Sophia, where citizens will have the opportunity to pay their respects to the remains.
Photo: press material from the event
