site.btaPresident Iotova Discusses Development of Ruse University Branch in Taraclia with Bulgarian Community Leaders in Moldova

Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova discussed the development of the branch of Ruse University in Taraclia with representatives of Bulgarian organizations in Moldova, the presidential press secretariat said on Friday.

During the meeting, Iotova spoke with the administrative director of the university branch, Alexander Borimecicov, with Georgi Barbarov – Chair of the Bulgarian Community in the Republic of Moldova (BCRM), and with the Chair of Moldova's Taraclia District – Lazar Dermenji.

Iotova highlighted the active educational process at the Ruse University branch in Taraclia, where the Bulgarian community in Moldova is concentrated. The branch officially opened its doors in 2025 and has attracted considerable interest. According to the statement, the institution currently has 175 undergraduate students, 41 master’s students and three doctoral candidates.

Borimecicov also briefed the President on a project to renovate the university dormitory. Iotova said that in addition to opening new academic programmes that attract students, future efforts should focus on partnerships with businesses to develop joint educational programmes. She also stressed the importance of the Bulgarian community’s active role in the education of Bulgarian children of school age.

Iotova reaffirmed her consistent support for preserving the integrity of the Taraclia District as a condition for maintaining the identity of the Bulgarian diaspora in Moldova, which has a history of more than 200 years. She said that the country’s authorities have assured that the district will retain its autonomy even after the completion of the ongoing administrative reform. According to the President, it is necessary to maintain active dialogue with local authorities until the process is finalized.