site.btaBulgarian, Bavarian Universities Sign Cooperation Agreements

A ceremony for the signing of academic partnerships between Bulgarian and Bavarian universities took place March 3, at the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Munich. The event was part of a broader series of initiatives in the fields of science, culture, politics, and economics through which the Bulgarian diplomatic mission in Munich marked Bulgaria’s National Day, March 3.

In addition to the team of the Consulate General, attendees included Zlatomira Stefanova, Deputy Mayor for International Programs and Projects, Investments and Property of the Municipality of Ruse; Vasilena Dimova, Senior Expert in Economics, Investments, International Cooperation and Projects at the Municipality of Ruse; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Galina Ivanova Ivanova, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation at Angel Kanchev University of Ruse; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alexander Kirilov Ivanov, Director of the Research Sector at the same university; Prof. Dr. Ralph Schneider, Rector of OTH Regensburg; Dr. Svetla Bogdanova Boneva, Dean of the Faculty of International Economics and Politics at University of National and World Economy; Dr. Uwe Mummert, Professor of Economics and Vice President for International Relations and Diversification at TH Nuernberg Georg Simon Ohm; and Nikolaus Djukic, Head of BAYHOST.

Also joining the event were Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe; Nedyalko Kalinov, parish priest of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church Community in Munich; and Father Yulian Angelov of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church Community in Berlin.

At the beginning of the ceremony, which was conducted in English, Bulgaria’s Consul General in Munich, Stefan Yonkov, welcomed the guests, noting: "Today we are linking Ruse University and OTH Regensburg, as well as TH Nuernberg Georg Simon Ohm and the University of National and World Economy. On paper these are agreements, but in reality they are relationships."

According to him, Bulgaria and Bavaria share a special closeness: “Bavarian companies invest in Bulgaria. They create jobs and bring technology. At the same time, thousands of Bulgarian students study and work here in Bavaria. They contribute every day to German society and to mutual trust.”

Memorandums of Understanding were signed by representatives of Ruse University and OTH Regensburg, as well as by representatives of TH Nuernberg Georg Simon Ohm and the University of National and World Economy.

Pre-signed agreements expanding existing cooperation under the Erasmus Programme were also formally exchanged.

Presentations introducing the four universities were delivered during the ceremony.

An expansion of Erasmus cooperation between University of Regensburg and Veliko Tarnovo University was also announced. In addition, the renewal of Erasmus cooperation between Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen and the University of National and World Economy was made public.

On behalf of Ruse University, Dr. Galina Ivanova Ivanova presented Consul General Stefan Yonkov with an honorary plaque bearing the university’s emblem and a certificate of recognition.

Following the official signing and exchange of agreements, a reception was held at the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Munich.