The Institute of Balkan Studies with the Center for Thracology at BAS presented the “Cultural Diplomacy and the Balkans: achievements and challenges in the present time” publication (ed. Alexandra Milanova, “Prof. Marin Drinov” Publishing House of BAS, 2025) on March 19 in the Aula of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. It is the result of the “Cultural Diplomacy in the Balkans in the 20th and 21st Centuries: Achievements, Problems, and Challenges for the Future” project funded by the Bulgarian National Science Fund of the Ministry of Education and Science. The book was presented by diplomat and public figure Stefan Tafrov, and the event was moderated by Irina Nedeva, a journalist at the Bulgarian National Radio.
The event was attended by representatives of institutions involved in the implementation of cultural policies, members of the diplomatic corps, scholars, faculty members, and students. Mr. Yavor Koynakov, Acting Director of the State Institute for Culture under the Minister of Foreign Affairs, read a congratulatory message from Ms. Nadezhda Neynsky, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria. The Minister of Culture, Mr. Nayden Todorov, also extended his congratulations on the efforts of the team and the authors of the publication. Special guests at the presentation were Ms. Milena Dimitrova, Secretary to the President for Education, Science, and Culture, Plamena Zayachka, PhD, Advisor to the Minister of Tourism; Ms. Mariya Todorova-Simova, Director General of the “Inspectorate for the Protection of Cultural Heritage” at the Ministry of Culture; Ms. Tanya Mihaylova, Director of the Diplomatic Institute; Prof. Reneta Bozhankova, PhD, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at Sofia University, and others.
The event has established itself as a forum for experts and practitioners in the field of cultural diplomacy, bringing to the forefront academic and inter-institutional dialogue on cultural issues.
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