ISLAMABAD – To mark the Day of the Bulgarian Alphabet & Culture and the 60th anniversary of Bulgaria-Pakistan diplomatic relations, Ambassador Irena Gancheva of Bulgaria hosted a reception and a captivating photo exhibition titled “The Ancient Treasures of Bulgaria” at her residence.
Several art lovers, members of the diplomatic community, Bulgarian citizens, and friends of Bulgaria were present on the occasion.
Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Mohammad Ayub represented the government of Pakistan, conveying his best wishes and felicitations to the Bulgarian ambassador and her team.
The guests were served with delicious Bulgarian and continental food. The Bulgarian embassy, according to a guest, always hosts very thought-provoking and well-organised receptions, and the credit for this evening’s overwhelming attendance also goes to Ambassador Irena. In her welcome address, the Bulgarian envoy highlighted the friendly and cordial ties that have existed between Bulgaria and Pakistan for the last six decades. Their foundation is laid on lasting partnership and mutual respect, she said.
She emphasised cultural diplomacy in strengthening people-to-people ties. The role of culture in diplomacy is increasing in today’s world, where faced with overlapping crises and issues, identifying common challenges and building understanding becomes more important than ever, the ambassador said.
She also introduced Assist Prof Alexandra Milanova, scientific coordinator at the Institute of Balkan Studies and Centre of Thracology (study of the ancient Thracians and their civilization) at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, who came from Sofia for the inauguration of the exhibition and a series of lectures in Islamabad and Lahore on the historical and cultural heritage of Bulgaria.
“I would like to highlight that today’s event is dedicated to the Day of Bulgarian Alphabet, Enlightenment and Culture, which is celebrated officially in our country every year on May 24th,” she said. The event also marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Pakistan which were established on June 15th, 1965, said the ambassador adding that to mark the anniversary the Bulgarian embassy’s team has worked hard and put on display original and the artistically-crafted ancient treasures of Bulgaria, several photo panels showcasing important events and visits in the history of our bilateral relations with Pakistan.
Bulgaria remains committed to further developing and strengthening bilateral contacts and cooperation with Pakistan in areas of common interest, including political dialogue, people-to-people exchanges, economy and trade, science, education and culture, she said. With joint efforts, we can achieve the desired results in our bilateral cooperation in the years to come to the mutual benefit of our two peoples, she ended her address on a positive note.
