site.btaBulgarian-Hungarian Cooperation in Higher Education, Agriculture, Tourism Discussed at Forum in Kecskemet

Opportunities for closer cooperation between Bulgaria and Hungary in higher education, agriculture and tourism were the focus of a forum held in Kecskemet as part of the Days of Bulgaria in Kecskemet, Hungary initiative, Bulgaria's Economy Ministry reported on Wednesday. The hybrid-format event was organized jointly by the Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bacs-Kiskun County, the John von Neumann University in Kecskemet, and with the support of Dr Yordan Bochkov, Honorary Consul of Bulgaria in Hungary.

Participating online, Deputy Minister of Education Nikolay Vitanov highlighted Bulgaria’s rich natural and cultural potential and the strong academic and research capacity of its universities. “By combining these resources through partnership and vision, we can create innovative models for regional development that support young people’s professional growth and attract new investment,” Vitanov said.

Dr Tamas Fulop, Rector of John von Neumann University, announced that the Bulgarian Council of Rectors and the Hungarian Rectors’ Conference signed Tuesday a Cooperation Agreement, paving the way for deeper collaboration in higher education.

Prof. Dr Miglena Temelkova, Chair of the Bulgarian Council of Rectors, noted that the agreement provides a solid basis for expanding cooperation between Bulgarian and Hungarian universities, including joint educational programmes, and the exchange of students and lecturers. She expressed hope that the next such forum will take place in Sofia.

Bulgaria’s Consul in Hungary Bochkov described the event as a step towards closer partnership between the two countries in higher education, tourism and the economy. “I believe that through open dialogue and joint initiatives, we will continue to strengthen our economic ties,” he said.

During the forum, it was noted that Hungary has 63 universities and higher education institutions, state-run, private, church-affiliated or managed by public-interest foundations, serving a population of 10 million, including around 300,000 students.