President Rumen Radev bestowed the Madara Horseman Order, First Class, on US Ambassador to Bulgaria Herro Mustafa at the end of her tenure in Bulgaria. Ambassador Mustafa was awarded for her great merits in deepening the partnership between Sofia and Washington. "Given the new dimensions of the international environment, security and defence have emerged naturally as a key dimension of our effective partnership, not just bilaterally but also within NATO", Bulgaria’s Head of State said. In his words, Bulgaria will continue to rely on the United States for the modernisation of its armed forces and for strengthening the defence capabilities of the Bulgarian army."

In her speech, Ambassador Herro Mustafa pointed out that it was a great honour for her to be awarded the Madara Horseman Order. " I take it as a testimony of our successful cooperation over the past 3.5 years and a symbol of the deep and lasting union between the two countries. I would like to sincerely thank all Bulgarians for their friendly attitude. We will leave with Bulgaria in our hearts," said Herro Mustafa.