In this message, the sovereign said he learnt with great sadness the passing of former Bulgarian president Jeliou Jelev.

 In this painful circumstance, HM the King expressed to president Plevneliev his heartfelt condolences and compassion, as well as his sympathy to the deceased's family and the friendly Bulgarian people.

 The sovereign lauded the qualities of late Jelev who is one of Bulgaria's most prominent statesmen known for their political competence and steadfast attachment to the values of liberty and democracy.