05.10.2023 / Dr Stanishev presented a lecture “Bulgaria and China: Friendship. Cooperation. Development. Progress” at Confucius Institute, Sofia

As part of the annual Confucius Institute Week in Sofia, on 4th October the Director of APACCCEEC held a lecture on theme “Bulgaria and China: Friendship. Cooperation. Development. Progress”, giving a brief overview of the cultural relations between the two countries.

Dr Stanishev’s point of reference was the love story between one of the great Bulgarian painters, Marin Varbanov, and the Chinese princess Sun Huai Qui, whose real life love story is also seen as a symbol of the friendship between the two ancient nations.

The Director also emphasized the fact that Bulgaria was the second country in the world to recognize the PRC at the time of its formation on 3 October 1949, highlighting the consistently close and friendly relations between the two countries.

Additionally, Dr Stanishev made an overview of the progress of the Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries thus far, pointing out the importance of the APACCCCEEC in the Initiative.

Furthermore, Dr Stanishev stressed the role Bulgaria has had in the Cooperation Initiative, exploring the bilateral economic and agricultural cooperation between Bulgaria and China. The APACCCEEC Director expanded upon the mission of the Association, and its role as bridge between Asia and Europe to create opportunities for new partnerships, and to develop bilateral and multilateral relations.

Dr Stanishev made a summary of the APACCCEEC’s past events and projects, which have been crucial for creating new possibilities in the relations between the CEE countries and China.

Lastly, the Director presented his vision and made a brief overview of the upcoming initiatives and events of the APACCCEEC.