site.btaBulgarian Ambassador, Mayor of Norwegian Town Discuss Ways to Strengthen Cultural, Tourism Contacts

Bulgaria's Ambassador to Norway, Dessislava Ivanova, met with Kenny Rettore, Mayor of Sandnes Municipality, to discuss ways to deepen cultural, economic and tourist exchanges, as well as the implementation of cultural projects by the Norwegian municipality and the Bulgarian Embassy in Oslo, it said on Facebook.

Ivanova stressed that Bulgarian-Norwegian relations are stable and noted the Embassy's readiness to help Sandnes get into contact with similar Bulgarian municipalities, including through twinning as a successful means of bilateral cooperation. The diplomat talked about possible joint exhibitions and cultural projects like the Stavanger International Piano Festival founded by Bulgarian-born Norwegian pianist Kiril Kutin.

Mayor Kenny Rettore said Sandnes is one of the most developed municipalities in Norway. Sandnes was named the most attractive city in Norway in 2022 and was designated a European Capital of Culture in 2008. The mayor said he would welcome joint initiatives with Bulgaria and its Embassy because about 250 Bulgarians live in Sandnes and there is a branch of the Bulgarian Sunday school in the town.