On August 8, 2024, a delegation from the Bulgarian municipalities led by Daniel Panov, Mayor of Veliko Tarnovo municipality visited the Foundation. Secretary-General Zhao Lingshan met with the delegation, and they discussed the development of the Confucius Institute at St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo and Chinese education programs in various cities of Bulgaria.
Daniel Panov introduced the achievements of the Confucius Institute at St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo and its contributions to Sino-Bulgarian educational cooperation. He noted the strong and growing demand for learning Chinese language in Veliko Tarnovo, especially among young children. Local hospitals have expressed a new expectation for training "Chinese + Traditional Chinese Medicine/Medical" doctors and nurses, indicating huge future potential of the market of Chinese language. Plamen Legkostup, former Rector of St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo and Honorary Chairman of the Confucius Institute, shared that since its establishment, the Confucius Institute has set up 60 teaching sites in 18 cities across Bulgaria, significantly expanding Chinese language teaching and cultural promotion. Officials and principals from Burgas, Elin Pelin, Chelopech and other cities expressed their desire to further widen the coverage of Chinese language education, develop featured projects such as Chinese dance and art exhibitions, and organize more cultural activities to benefit local residents.
Zhao Lingshan warmly welcomed the delegation and thanked the Bulgarian municipalities for their strong support for the Confucius Institute's work. He emphasized that there are long-standing friendship between China and Bulgaria and enduring bond between their peoples. During the 2024-Joint Conference of Confucius Institutes and Independent Confucius Classrooms in Central and Eastern Europe held in June, the Foundation has felt local citizen’s strong enthusiasm for learning Chinese language and their friendly attitude towards China. On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bulgaria and the 20th anniversary of the Confucius Institute brand, the Foundation will continue to provide support for the development of the Confucius Institute in collaboration with partners worldwide.
