site.btaCulture Minister Meets Italian Ambassador in Bulgaria

Culture Minister Krastyu Krastev met on Thursday with Italian Ambassador to Bulgaria Giuseppina Zara, the Italian Embassy said. They discussed aspects of cooperation between the two countries and prospects for developing the excellent bilateral relations in the fields of culture, university studies and education.

"During the talks, the Ambassador and the Minister recalled the intensive cooperation between the two countries in all sectors and referred in particular to the importance of further increasing exchanges in the sectors of archaeological training, and the protection of cultural heritage in view of Italy's great experience in the restoration sector, and the renovation of protected buildings, part of the cultural heritage. In this context, the development of bilateral cooperation for the exchange and comparison of institutional models, and best practices for the protection and enhancement of cultural heritage could be of great importance. The challenges Bulgaria faces in the conservation of the old town of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were addressed," the Italian Embassy further stated.

Zara also highlighted the possibility of updating the existing bilateral protocol on cultural cooperation between the two countries in the light of the development of bilateral cooperation, and the emergence of new interesting opportunities. Finally, she outlined to the Minister the main cultural initiatives that the Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute have planned for the second half of 2023, as well as some important events for 2024.