15 July 2025 | 15:03
The Bulgarian head of state thanks the Croatian state for its efforts to preserve the memory of the dead
NEWS
Radev: Bulgaria has a potential to develop as a leading high-tech R&D centre
2022-04-11 14:29:00The President inaugurates the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski"
Bulgaria has the potential and should develop as a leading R&D centre. This is not easy, it requires the unity of many institutions, and pooling the efforts of academia and our society as a whole. This is what President Rumen Radev said at the opening ceremony of the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" (INSAIT), in partnership with the two largest technological universities of Switzerland - ETH Zurich and EPF Lausanne. The aim of the project is to attract world-class academics in the field of computer science and AI, to train top-level technology leaders and researchers, and to foster the creation of successful start-ups and entrepreneurs.
INSAIT is a shining example of how individuals with their deep knowledge, professional authority, vision for the future and tremendous energy can change the course of history, not just for one country, but for an entire region, the Head of State noted, expressing his gratitude for the invaluable work of Prof Martin Vechev, founder of INSAIT and professor at ETH Zurich, a leading scientist in the world of computer science and AI.
The President went on to say, that the launching of the institute had succeeded in uniting the efforts of four governments, two regular and two caretaker ones, which had achieved unity and continuity for the sake of a high national goal. I am sure that if the second part of the Bulgarian-Swiss programme continues in this way and we create several more such institutes, we will have a much more favourable political environment in Bulgaria, Rumen Radev stressed.
Before to the ceremony at the National Palace of Culture, the Head of State met with Guy Parmelin, head of the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research. The two discussed the prospects for the extension of the Bulgarian-Swiss cooperation programme, which provides this country with expert and financial support in areas such as promoting economic growth and improving working conditions, social stability, public security, environmental protection, the rule of law and strengthening civil society.
President Radev underlined Bulgaria's endeavour to consolidate the results achieved during the second part of the programme. The success is particularly significant in the field of vocational training, and it has reached thousands of Bulgarian students, numerous schools and companies, the Head of State said. In his words, vocational training is a factor in reducing youth unemployment, social integration and the promotion of many SMEs in various fields.
The two expressed a common position that the Institute of Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology at "St. Kliment Ohridski" University would assist the business both in Switzerland and Bulgaria; it would also help Bulgarian scientists and students stay and work in Bulgaria, while the results of their work would be beneficial for both countries.
The upward trend of increasing the economic exchange between Bulgaria and Switzerland, as well as the cooperation in security and defence were also among the topics discussed at the meeting.
MORE FROM NEWS
14 July 2025 | 19:07
Bulgarians living in Croatia are an active part of the modern Croatian society, and they contribute to the better name and trust of Bulgaria. This is what President Rumen Radev told our compatriots in Zagreb. Today, as part of his official visit to Croatia, the Bulgarian Head of State, together with representatives of our community, honoured the work of Ivan Vazov in front of the bust-monument of the patriarch of Bulgarian literature, which is located on the Alley of Poets in Bundek Park.
14 July 2025 | 17:05
The currency itself cannot be a guarantee for European integration, but the rule of law is required, Rumen Radev said in Zagreb, where he is on an official visit
11 July 2025 | 17:05
A merit-based enlargement policy remains a strategic priority for the European Parliament, not only as a geopolitical imperative, but also as a key instrument for promoting peace, democracy, stability and prosperity across Europe, particularly in the Western Balkans, EP President Roberta Metsola writes in response to the letter sent by President Rumen Radev to the heads of the European institutions and to the heads of state and government, members of the European Council, after the EP Foreign Affairs Committee voted on June 24 the draft report on the progress of the Republic of North Macedonia in the European integration process.