The U.S. Secretary of State sent a special message to the Bulgarians

"On behalf of the United States of America, please accept my best wishes to the people of Bulgaria on the 146th anniversary of the Day of Liberation of Bulgaria," reads a statement of the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken written on the occasion of Bulgaria's National holiday March 3.

"The United States deeply values our more than 120 years of diplomatic relations with Bulgaria. Our partnership, based on shared democratic ideals, fosters peace and prosperity for both our nations and contributes to the unity and security of Europe and the transatlantic community.

We recognize Bulgaria’s commitment to deepening its integration into European institutions, ensuring its energy security and economic vitality, and enhancing its partnership with NATO Allies.  We are united in our efforts to support Ukraine and its people as they fight to defend their country and their freedom from the Kremlin’s war of aggression.

I look forward to further partnership in promoting a more secure, prosperous, and equitable future for our two freedom-loving nations," Blinken wrote.