Ambassador Irena Gancheva celebrates 60 years of diplomatic ties with Pakistan

Celina Ali

Islamabad: Bulgaria’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Irena Gancheva, inaugurated a captivating photo exhibition titled “The Ancient Treasures of Bulgaria” at the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Islamabad, commemorating both Bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage and the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Pakistan.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Gancheva expressed her delight in hosting the exhibition, which she said offers visitors a unique glimpse into Bulgaria’s ancient history through a selection of artistically curated photographs.

The exhibition was prepared by the Institute of Balkan Studies and the Centre of Thracology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and made possible with the support of the State Institute for Culture at the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“It is an absolute pleasure for me to welcome you all for the inauguration of this cultural display. This exhibition is not only a tribute to Bulgaria’s historical legacy but also a celebration of the enduring ties between our two nations,” the Ambassador stated.

Ambassador Gancheva introduced Assistant Professor Alexandra Milanova, the scientific coordinator from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, who traveled from Sofia to participate in the inauguration and deliver a series of lectures in Islamabad and Lahore on Bulgaria’s cultural and historical heritage.

The event was held in celebration of two significant milestones: the Day of the Bulgarian Alphabet, Enlightenment, and Culture, observed annually on May 24, and the 60th anniversary of Bulgaria-Pakistan diplomatic relations, which were formally established on June 15, 1965. To mark the occasion, the exhibition included a dedicated section showcasing key moments and visits that have shaped the bilateral relationship over the past six decades.

Reflecting on the six-decade-long journey of diplomatic engagement, Ambassador Gancheva said, “Throughout these years, Bulgaria and Pakistan have enjoyed friendly and respectful relations. As we look to the future, we are committed to further strengthening our cooperation in areas of shared interest, including political dialogue, trade, education, science, and cultural exchanges.”

She stressed the symbolic importance of celebrating these milestones through a cultural initiative, noting that culture plays a vital role in fostering mutual understanding and building bridges between nations.

“It is not by chance that we chose a cultural event to commemorate these important occasions. We firmly believe in the profound power of culture to bring people together. In today’s world, facing multiple overlapping crises, culture can serve as a medium of empathy, unity, and shared identity,” the Ambassador remarked.

The event concluded with a warm thank-you to all attendees, as Ambassador Gancheva expressed hope that the exhibition would offer an enriching experience and further deepen the cultural bond between the people of Bulgaria and Pakistan.