Bulgaria, Norway celebrate 120 years of relations
A ceremonial event in Stavanger, Norway marked the 120th anniversary of the country's diplomatic relations with Bulgaria. It was organized by the Bulgarian Embassy in Oslo and the Honorary Consulate of Bulgaria, the Embassy reported on Sunday.
The celebration was opened by Ambassador Desislava Ivanova. She spoke about the history of bilateral relations with Norway, established on August 20, 1906, highlighting the Embassy's efforts to position Bulgaria and the Bulgarian community in the Nordic country as a visible element of Norwegian society that contributes to its cultural life, CE Report quotes BTA.
Ambassador Ivanova noted that diplomatic relations between the two countries were established during a period of national revival for both peoples, founded on education and the associated natural aspiration for prosperity and freedom. She referred to a permanent exhibition at the Embassy featuring photographs of the ten Bulgarian ambassadors to Norway, based in Oslo over the years, and expressed her wish for continued momentum in bilateral political, economic and cultural exchanges. She announced forthcoming Embassy initiatives dedicated to the anniversary of bilateral relations.
The festive atmosphere was enhanced by a cultural programme organized by Bulgaria's Honorary Consul in Stavanger, the renowned pianist and cultural manager Kiril Kutin. The programme included an exhibition of drawings by 25 children from the Bulgarian Sunday School branch in Stavanger, dedicated to bilateral relations. The artworks were created during a special masterclass under the guidance of artist Antoniy Sofev, who works in Stavanger. Young artist Iren Nikolova also took part, performing on the piano and exhibiting her own paintings.
The celebration brought together representatives of the Bulgarian community, the Bulgarian Cultural Association in Rogaland County, the Bulgarian Sunday School branch in Stavanger, and friends of Bulgaria from Stavanger and the wider region.
During a subsequent meeting of the Bulgarian community in the Stavanger area marking the seventh anniversary of the Bulgarian Cultural Association in Rogaland County, Ambassador Ivanova expressed special gratitude and congratulations to the association's leadership for its patriotic work. She wished the organization many more years of success in uniting the Bulgarian community in the Stavanger area, preserving Bulgarian traditions and spirit through its activities, and continuing to serve as a positive example for Bulgarians throughout Norway.
Photo: Embassy of Bulgaria in Oslo
