On October 11, 2019, the Vice-Rector of Veliko Turnovo University – Prof. Dr. Vihren Buzov delivered a speech for the opening of VI International Scientific Conference on "Diplomatic, Economic and Cultural Relations between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe", which is organized annually by the Confucius Institute at UVT. The Deputy Mayor of Veliko Turnovo Municipality – Prof. Dr. Georgi Kamarashev, the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Modern Languages – Assoc. Prof. Vladimir Donev, PHD, the Head of Classical and Eastern Languages and Cultures Department – Assoc. Prof. Polina Tsoncheva, PhD and the Municipal Councilor and Owner of Faber Publishing House – Mr. Neiko Genchev greeted the participants and organizers. In his speech, Prof. Buzov expressed his satisfaction that such a scientific conference, perfectly organized by the Confucius Institute of Veliko Turnovo and in particular by the two directors – Assoc. Prof. Iskra Mandova and Prof. Dong Yuanxing, was made a tradition.
The Vice-Rector of UVT held a speech: “The topics covered at this conference are very adequate and are published in a book of papers. Humanity is entering a new stage of development, in a pluralistic world with the decline of Western domination, which relied on colonialism, technology, science, innovations from 18-19th century. Today, the West, in the face of the United States and its allies, has serious competitor in the face of China, in the face of Russia and many other countries. All these factors influence our region and the countries from Central and Eastern Europe. The prospects for cooperation are more than promising: the “16 + 1” regional cooperation format, the Belt & Road initiative, which despite all obstacles, continue to develop by demonstrating China's will to realize these economic initiatives.”
In his address to the participants, the Deputy Mayor of Veliko Turnovo Municipality said that this year's conference also coincides with the celebration of one big anniversary, namely the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China, which is very important, relations between Bulgaria and the PRC have not always been at a high level – there have been years when they have reached the freezing point, but in recent years they have been on the rise. He also noted that when he visited China a few years ago, he was very impressed with the great dynamics with which science and industry are developing, and because we are the second country to recognize the PRC, we have a special place in China's politics, which is very good for us.
Nearly 100 guests attended the conference and over 20 distinguished scientists from Veliko Turnovo, Sofia, Plovdiv and Shumen Universities, BAS, as well as from universities in China, participated in the scientific forum.