NEWS

 

President Rosen Plevneliev awarded the Stara Planina medal to Irina Bokova, director general of UNESCO. This highest state medal is an expression of Bulgaria’s appreciation of Irina Bokova’s contribution to world peace and security by strengthening the cooperation between the nations in the education, science and culture sectors, the Head of State said at the ceremony held at 2 Dondukov street. 

 

The President said that the appointment of Irina Bokova to the post of director general of UNESCO in 2009 is a reason for national pride and recalled that it is the first time that a Bulgarian and an East European citizen has occupied such a high position in the UN.

 

Rosen Plevneliev emphasized that Irina Bokova’s activity has contributed to enhancing Bulgaria’s reputation and visibility not only in the UN, but also among the European and international partners. The president added that the international community’s high appreciation of her professional skills, charisma and visionary attitude has resulted in her reappointment to the post for another four years. The President, for his part, highly appreciated the fundamental reform of UNESCO launched by Bokova, which has made the organization more efficient and capable of meeting the new challenges.

 

The Head of State voiced his gratitude to Irina Bokova for her commitment to protecting Bulgaria’s good name in the difficult case involving the arrested Bulgarian nurses. “Not a single moment did you spare you efforts and energy in support of the Bulgarian cause and justice,” the President said.

 

Irina Bokova, director general of UNESCO, thanked for the support provided by the presidents of Bulgaria and a couple of consecutive governments for nominating her for the post of director general of UNESCO.

 

“The strength of a state today is measured not only in terms of its military or any other power, but also in terms of what this state could contribute to the spiritual development of the world,” Irina Bokova said. She also emphasized the need to focus on the development of high-quality education, on preserving the cultural heritage and implementing this priority in the strategy on sustainable growth. Bokova was adamant that this should be one of the major goals of every policy pursued in Bulgaria.  

 

The two were unanimous that restoring peace in Europe through diplomacy is a priority for the EU and the only way to ensure the long-term security and stability of the Old Continent.

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