On July 5, 2025, under the honorary patronage of H. E. Mrs. Zakia El Midaoui, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Republic of Bulgaria and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps,

and at the invitation of Mr. Kalin Gelev, Mayor of Sapareva Banya Municipality, Eng. Metodi Chimev, Governor of Kyustendil Region, Mr. Krasimir Andonov, Director of the "Rila National Park" Directorate at the Ministry of Environment and Water, and Mrs. Ekaterina Pavlova, Editor-in-Chief of "Diplomatic Spectrum," a diplomatic hike to the Seven Rila Lakes took place. Eight ambassadors and four deputy heads of mission participated in the event.

The Seven Rila Lakes are among the top 100 national tourist sites of Bulgaria. They are a national treasure, a source of pride for every Bulgarian. Enchanting, "cloudless" and crystal clear, they are part of Rila National Park, a protected area according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The park and its four reserves are also included in the UN's list of representative protected territories.

Following the 2021 diplomatic ascent of Mount Musala, this was the second joint initiative by "Diplomatic Spectrum" and "Rila National Park" Directorate aimed at showcasing the natural beauty of Bulgaria to members of the diplomatic corps.

The idea of the hike received strong support from local authorities, who were co-organizers and excellent partners of the event.

Mayor Kalin Gelev and Governor Eng. Metodi Chimev welcomed the participants on Saturday morning at the municipality building.

E. Mrs. Zakia El Midaoui, as the event's honorary patron, and Mrs. Pavlova were the first to arrive, smiling and warmly received by the people of Sapareva Banya and its officials. Their enthusiasm was ignited by the upcoming encounter with the majestic Rila Mountains.

With her benevolent presence and contagious positive energy throughout the day, H. E. Mrs. El Midaoui emphasized the importance of environmental preservation and international cooperation in nature conservation.

Soon after, the other participants arrived.

Ambassadors in alphabetical order: H. E. Mr. Abubaker Saleh – Libya; H. E. Ms. Alexandra Milić – Bosnia and Herzegovina; H. E. Mr. Emil Jacota – Moldova; H. E. Mr. Modasar Chaudri – Pakistan; H. E. Mr. Paul Lambert – Belgium; H. E. Mr. Nader Saad – Egypt; H. E. Mr. Miroslav Toman – Czech Republic.

Deputy Heads of Mission in alphabetical order: Ms. Iva Mihaylova – Sovereign Military Order of Malta; Mr. Daniel Orság – Slovak Republic; Mr. Rolf Ott – Switzerland; Mr. Tedy Poplinger – Israel. Some of the paticipants were joined by family members.

The guests were welcomed with traditional Bulgarian hospitality: bread, honey, and salt. Each diplomat received a gift – souvenirs and organic products from local producers, including a commemorative mug depicting the Seven Rila Lakes and the town’s famous 103°C geyser-fountain, inscribed with "Welcome to Sapareva Banya" and the date: July 5, 2025. Mayor Gelev invited all guests to the upcoming municipal celebrations from September 5–8, 2025.

The mayor emphasized that Sapareva Banya takes great pride in its priceless mineral water and rich cultural heritage, which its guests must absolutely see, and he promised to show them during their next visit to the town.

He then invited everyone to share a specially prepared breakfast featuring local specialties and organic products.

The cordial reception was enhanced by Deputy Mayors Michaela Dineva, Iliyana Bazirgyanova, and Silvia Ivanova; Chairman of the Municipal Council Kostadin Nikolov; and the entire municipal team. Their hospitality created a relaxed and friendly atmosphere filled with positive energy.

The group then headed to the Rila Lakes Chair Lift to ascend to the Rila Lakes Lodge. At the lift’s base station, they were greeted by Monika Mutavdzhijska and Ivaylo Prodanov, managers of the companies operating the facility – "Atomic-Invest" Ltd. and "Rila Sport" EAD. As a welcoming gesture, each ambassador and head of mission received a cap and information material (documents) about the seven lakes and the spiritual teacher Petar Dunov.

At the entrance of the Rila National Park Information Center, representatives of the park presented the guests with more surprises, including traditional banitsa and handmade bread by park expert, Nikolina Georgieva.

As they rode the lift, guests were delighted to see that each support pole was adorned with a flag representing one of their countries.

Then came the most challenging part – a five-hour hike during which the diplomats visited five of the seven lakes: Dolnoto (The Lower), Ribnoto (The Fish), Trilistnika (The Trefoil), Bliznaka (The Twin), and Babreka (The Kidney). Accompanying them were Park Director Krasimir Andonov and his team: Chief Expert Nikolina Georgieva, Inspector Boyko Nachev, and Senior Specialist Georgi Georgiev. They shared information about the park's biodiversity and rare endemic and relict plant species such as Rila primrose, small-leaved carnation, alpine saxifrage, Rila violet, and others.

The day concluded at the Rila Lakes Lodge, where guests rested and had a light meal before descending to the Panichishte resort.

The final stop was the Rila National Park Visitor Center, where the diplomats watched a short film about the park and were warmly welcomed by Chief Expert Albena Kolibarska.

The entire day was marked by respect for nature, intercultural dialogue, institutional cooperation, and shared commitment to preserving protected territories.

"Diplomatic Spectrum" and its partners hope that the hike left lasting memories, filled with genuine Bulgarian hospitality and the stunning beauty of Rila Mountain – as poet Ivan Vazov once called it, "Bulgaria's most magnificent mountain."

Special thanks to the Mountain Rescue Service team of the Bulgarian Red Cross, Dupnitsa, and the Ministry of Interior staff for ensuring the safety of all participants.

Photos: "Diplomatic Spectrum", Sapareva Banya Municipality, "Rila National Park" Directorate