The Russian President’s message reads, in part:
“We pay tribute to the memory of Russian soldiers and Bulgarian militia who fought shoulder to shoulder at Shipka and near Plevna. Thanks to their courage and self-sacrifice the ancient Bulgarian statehood was restored.
I am confident that common historical traditions, solid bonds of friendship and mutual assistance, and cultural and spiritual closeness will remain a reliable foundation for the development of multi-faceted cooperation between our countries.
I sincerely wish you good health and success, and wellbeing and prosperity to the brotherly people of Bulgaria.”