The remains of Tsar Samuel brought to Bulgaria escorted by fighter planes

The remains of the tsar, who ruled the Bulgarian state in the years 997–1014, were brought to the country escorted by two pairs of MiG-29 and F-16 fighters. Representatives of the authorities were waiting on the tarmac of the Sofia airport as part of the ceremony with the participation of an honorary company. Members of the Bulgarian government traveled with the remains from Greece: Prime Minister Rumen Radev, Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov and Minister of Culture Evtim Miloshev.

Radev had earlier traveled to Greece, where the official ceremony of handing over the tsar's remains took place at the Museum of Byzantine Culture in Thessaloniki. The event was also attended by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni.

The heads of the ministries of culture of both countries signed and exchanged handover protocols. The agreement concluded between the countries assumes that the Greek side will transfer to Bulgaria the remains identified as belonging to Tsar Samuel. They were discovered near Lake Prespa in the north of the country by a Greek archaeologist, prof. Nikolaos Mucopoulos. Bulgaria, for its part, will donate 48 church relics to Greece, the BTA reminded.

Mitsotakis expressed hope for even closer cooperation so that "other relics can also be returned to Bulgaria and Greece."

Samuel's remains will be carried in a solemn procession to the Basilica of St. Zofia and placed in a specially prepared sarcophagus. A service will also be held.

Tsar Samuel is a national hero of the Bulgarians because he fought to preserve the country's independence in the face of threats from the Greek-speaking Byzantine Empire.