site.btaVarna Naval Academy and RSV 421 Research Ship Among Bulgaria’s Leading Brands, Says Rear Admiral Kalinov

The Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy in Varna and the Bulgarian research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421) are among Bulgaria’s recognizable brands abroad, said the head of the Academy, Rear Admiral Prof. Kalin Kalinov, during the presentation of the April issue of BTA's LIK magazine, dedicated to Bulgaria's participation in world expos, organized by the BTA National Press Club onboard RSV 421, alongside Lieutenant Commander Hristo Hristov.

Rear Admiral Kalinov congratulated the Bulgarian News Agency for initiating an event that focuses on Bulgaria’s national brand. "For a long time, the image of Bulgaria was tied to culinary skills and agricultural products, but for us, the brand of our country is represented by the brave and intelligent men and women who study and work at the Naval Academy and who spread Bulgaria’s name across the world," the Admiral said. He emphasized that Bulgaria’s brand should be based on high technology, digitalization, and the areas in which the Academy works diligently.

He further underlined that one of the main missions of RSV 421 is diplomatic. A large part of the world—entire South America and Antarctica—knows Bulgaria through this ship.

Lieutenant Commander Hristo Hristov added that Bulgarians are warmly welcomed everywhere, and thanks to RSV 421, Bulgaria has global visibility, with the national flag waving through the Drake Passage and in Antarctic waters. He recalled that the crew and members of the Bulgarian expedition greatly support their Argentine colleagues in Antarctica as well as the Spanish polar base. Interestingly, what is best received and most liked from Bulgaria in this part of the world is Bulgarian lyutenitsa (a traditional vegetable relish), Kalinov and Hristov also noted.