Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov Expressed Gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Bulgaria Among the Leading Countries by Number of Evacuated Citizens from the Conflict Zone in the Middle East and Iran
13 March 2026 News
The Prime Minister, Andrey Gyurov, visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to commend and award, together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nadezhda Neynski, the team of the Crisis Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the successful completion of the active phase of the operation to evacuate Bulgarian citizens from the Middle East region and Iran. Silver honorary insignia were awarded to the Director of the Situation Centre Directorate, Irena Dimitrova, the Director of the Consular Relations Directorate, Nikolay Vanchev, and the Head of the Crisis Management Department, Yanko Yordanov. All other members of the Crisis Unit were presented with certificates of honour or written commendations.
“Today, we have gathered not only to report on a task well accomplished, but to recognise the professionalism, sense of duty and quiet dedication that do not make the headlines, yet make a profound difference,” stated Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov. He noted that the work of the Crisis Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will remain in the history of Bulgarian diplomacy as an example of professionalism and effective coordination in an exceptionally complex international environment.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the operation to evacuate Bulgarian citizens had been unprecedented in its complexity and scale. Within a short timeframe, and in a rapidly evolving and high-risk environment, more than 2,600 Bulgarian citizens were evacuated by air and overland routes, across several borders. “These 2,600 people are not merely numbers – they represent 2,600 individual lives, 2,600 families, and for us, 2,600 reasons to be proud of your work,” stated Andrey Gyurov. He further noted that Bulgaria is among the leading countries in terms of the number of citizens evacuated from the conflict zone and is among the countries that organised the highest number of evacuation flights. “Bulgarian citizens can rely on the state when they need it. Today, Bulgaria is proud of you,” the Prime Minister underlined.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nadezhda Neynski, also expressed her gratitude to the Ministry’s staff for their dedication and professionalism. She noted that foreign policy often appears distant to the public – associated with decisions of international organisations, resolutions and diplomatic formats. During this crisis, however, citizens witnessed in practice what the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs entails and how the diplomatic service, together with its partners from the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Ministry of Tourism, cares for Bulgarian citizens in difficult times. “You went beyond your direct official duties. I myself sent information to the Situation Centre during the night and am aware of the extent of your commitment,” stated Nadezhda Neynski. She emphasised that the dedication of the staff is of great importance both for the reputation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and for its role in safeguarding Bulgaria’s national interests.
The operation for the evacuation of Bulgarian citizens from the region was carried out in close cooperation among a number of state institutions and international partners. The Situation Centre of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the continuous support of the Consular Relations Directorate and Bulgaria’s diplomatic missions abroad, coordinated efforts related to the collection of information, communication with diplomatic representations, and the organisation of evacuation routes.
During his visit, the Prime Minister also familiarised himself with the working conditions and operational procedures of the Situation Centre of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which played a key role in coordinating actions throughout the crisis.
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