On
September 19, 2024, a meeting was held at the Laboratory of Innovative
Technologies of Sokhumi State University with the honored Bulgarian guest, the
rector of New Bulgarian University (Sofia), professor, poet, playwright, and
literary scholar Plamen Doynov (Bulgarian Hall).
Attendees
included: the rector of Sokhumi State University, professor Zurab Khonelidze;
His Excellency Veselin Valkanov, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Ambassador of Bulgaria to Georgia; the head of the International Educational
Center Nunu Mitskevich; the chairperson of the Creative Union of Writers of
Georgia Makvala Gonasvili; vice-president of the Academy of Pedagogical
Sciences Lyuba Bibileishvili; students; and representatives of the
administrative and academic staff of Sokhumi State University.
The
meeting was conducted by the head of the Department of International Relations
and Intercultural Connections of Sokhumi State University, professor Indira
Dzagania, who introduced rector Plamen Doynov, a great friend of Sokhumi State
University. She spoke about
Georgian-Bulgarian relations and a new project aimed at creating a significant
and interesting Georgian-Bulgarian album.
In
his opening speech, rector Zurab Khonelidze expressed gratitude to the
Bulgarian guests for their visit and support for Georgia across various
platforms. He emphasized the long-standing cultural ties between the two
nations, stating that the most important aspect of life is not what you have,
but who you have. He affirmed that their friendship is built on a strong
foundation that will continue to grow, with ongoing cultural and educational
collaborations between Georgian and Bulgarian universities.
Professor
Nunu Mitskevich discussed the projects of the International Education Center
and the opportunities it offers for students to pursue studies in different
countries, including Bulgaria, thanking the Bulgarian guests for their
contributions.
"I
have a deep love for your country, as if I am part of it," remarked His
Excellency Mr. Veselin Valkanov, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Ambassador of Bulgaria to Georgia. He expressed gratitude to the university
leadership for their friendship and for the cultural and educational events
regularly organized by the institution”.
The
chairperson of the Creative Union of Writers of Georgia, Makvala Gonasvili
highlighted the rich literary
connections between Georgia and Bulgaria, expressing hope for the emergence of
new names and impulses in the near future.
Vice-president
of the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences Lyuba Bibileishvili emphasized the
academic achievements of the rector of New Bulgarian University, leading to the
unanimous election of Plamen Doynov as an honorary foreign member of the
Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Georgia. Rector Zurab Khonelidze, president
of the Georgian Academy of Pedagogical Sciences, presented Plamen Doynov with a
diploma recognizing this honor.
To
conclude the event, rector Plamen Doynov and the head of the publishing group
of Sokhumi State University, honorary doctor of Plovdiv State University, poet
Robert Meskhi, read poems from the poetry collection "Bridge of
Freedom." This collection was first presented at New Bulgarian University
(Sofia) in October 2022 when a representative delegation from Sokhumi State
University visited Bulgaria.
The
poems of Plamen Doynov, translated by Robert Meskhi, were warmly received by
the audience. Plamen Doynov expressed his gratitude to Sokhumi State
University, its rector professor Zurab Khonelidze, head of the Department of
International Relations and Intercultural Connections professor Indira
Dzagania, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Bulgaria Veselin
Valkanov, students, and staff of Sokhumi State University for their warm
hospitality and significant role in strengthening Georgian-Bulgarian relations.
