site.btaSofia, Budapest to Cooperate in Culture, Tourism, Economy

Sofia, Budapest to Cooperate in Culture, Tourism, Economy

Budapest, April 20 (BTA) - Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova met with Budapest Mayor Istvan Tarlos on Thursday, Sofia Municipality said.

The mayors discussed cooperation and exchange of expertise in culture, tourism and the economy. Sofia Municipality will be consulted by Hungarian experts in creating a business model for spa management and development.

Fandakova was briefed on Budapest's experience in spa management and the development of spa tourism. She also learned about the restoration, financing and operation of Szechenyi Baths in Budapest.

The mayors discussed the preparations for the Day of Bulgarian-Hungarian Friendship, held on October 19. The modernization of public transport and infrastructure development were identified as common problems of the two capitals.

The meeting was attended by Bulgaria's Ambassador Yuliana Bogdanska, Sofia's Deputy Mayor Todor Chobanov and Szimeon Varga, who represents the Bulgarian community in the Hungarian Parliament.

Later on Thursday, Fandakova visited the manufacturer of Ikarus electric buses as Sofia Municipality is planning to buy 20 new electric buses and 20 hybrid buses.

Fandakova also briefed representatives of the Hungarian National Trade House about Sofia's investment opportunities.

She visited the Bulgarian church and the Bulgarian Cultural Centre in Budapest where she met with members of the Bulgarian community.