site.btaDeputy PM Zafirov Confers with Moldovan Ambassador to Bulgaria Jacota

Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov emphasized Bulgaria’s appreciation for Moldova’s efforts to preserve the national, cultural, and linguistic identity of its Bulgarian community. During a meeting with the Moldovan Ambassador to Bulgaria, Emil Jacota, Zafirov voiced expectations that the community’s current rights, particularly in the Taraclia region, would remain protected amid Moldova’s planned administrative-territorial reform.

The two officials discussed a range of topics, including bilateral relations, Moldova’s EU integration, and the status of the Bulgarian minority in the country. Zafirov acknowledged Moldova’s progress toward EU membership and reiterated Bulgaria’s readiness to share its pre-accession experience through expert-level cooperation.

The Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister also noted Bulgaria’s consistent support for Moldova through political, financial, and technical assistance – over EUR 2 million in the past two years for socially impactful local projects.

Special attention was given to educational and cultural cooperation. Zafirov highlighted the transformation of Gregory Tsamblak State University in Taraclia into a branch of Bulgaria’s Angel Kanchev University of Ruse, a process completed in April 2025 and officially marked during a joint ceremony on May 24. “I expect the new branch to become a strong platform for sustainable Bulgarian educational and cultural presence in the region,” Zafirov concluded.