The moment is very emotional, but the most important thing is that our boys returned home alive and well to their loved ones. This is a huge success. It was driven by humanity. Huge gratitude to everyone involved in the release process. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev during a briefing at Sofia Airport, a reporter for Novini.bg reported.
"We express our gratitude to our international partners, to the Sultanate of Oman", he said. In his words, the courage of the sailors and their strength of spirit gave strength to those who were waiting for them to return.
"The release of our sailors is the result of the incredible efforts of many institutions for more than a year. Their release shows that when Bulgarian citizens are in trouble, the Bulgarian state is capable of doing everything to get them home," said MEP Elena Yoncheva. She expressed gratitude to everyone who helped make this operation happen.
Yoncheva especially thanked political leaders Boyko Borisov and Delyan Peevski.
The released sailors thanked the Bulgarian authorities and said they felt good. They added that they had been treated well and had not been subjected to physical or mental pressure.
"I want to thank my parents, my friends. I thank all of Bulgaria for waiting for us," said the captain of the hijacked ship, Lyubomir Chanev.
"The people who detained us had the clear idea of freeing us when there was peace. This day has come and I am glad that I can speak here before you. "Thank you all and thank you to the captain for not taking any action that would endanger our lives," commented Senior Mate Danail Veselinov.