site.btaInternational Scientific Conference Dicusses Centuries-Old Ukrainian-Bulgarian Relations

An international scientific and practical conference on the centuries-old Ukrainian-Bulgarian cultural, scientific, military, ecclesiastical, spiritual and educational relations and cooperation was held on September 21 at the Sofia University Department for Information and In-Service Training of Teachers.

The conference took place in two stages. The first one was held in the city of Izmail, Ukraine, and was dedicated to the engagement of Cossacks (predominantly East Slavic Orthodox Christian people) in spiritual, cultural, educational and volunteer activities. 

The second stage was held in Sofia, where the plenary session focused on the fraternal cultural, scientific and spiritual ties between Bulgarian and Ukrainian peoples.

Yuri Melnychuk of the Ukraine University, which is one of the event’s co-organizers, stressed the importance of strengthening the ties between the two nations, adding that Bulgaria has always stood by Ukraine in difficult moments. “It is especially important to get the support of European countries like Bulgaria, at a time when the Ukrainian people are experiencing the horror of war", Melnychuk said.

The other co-organizer of the conference was Nikola Karaivanov, a historian, author and lecturer, as well as a regular participant in scientific conferences in Bulgaria, Ukraine and Moldova. Karaivanov presented his recently published book Georgi Rakovski and the Bulgarians of Bessarabia, Odesa and Banat.

The participants from both countries expressed their desire for closer cooperation and exchange between Bulgaria and Ukraine, stressing that such forums are of key importance for the preservation and development of cultural and historical ties between the two nations.

Within the framework of the conference, the Ukrainian delegation visited the monument of Ukrainian poet and translator Lesya Ukrainka (1871-1913) in Vladaya (western Bulgaria). 

Attending the conference were scientists from both countries, laureates of the Fifth International Cultural Festival, amateur art collectives, and Cossack representatives.