On the 26^th of May the Embassy of Bulgaria in Pretoria organised a reception on the occasion of the Day of the Bulgarian Alphabet, Education, Culture and the Slavonic Literature. The event was organized and took place in the framework of the 30^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and the Republic of South Africa. The reception was attended by numerous representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, the various institutions, the Academia and the NGOs. It was attended as well by members of the Bulgarian Association in the RSA, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Bulgaria in Cape Town Mr Boris Vassilev, the Director and teachers from the Sunday School “Slancho”, the representative of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, as well as Bulgarian business people in SA. Special guests of the Bulgarian Embassy were SA citizens, who have graduated from Bulgarian universities and continue keeping their positive feelings towards Bulgarian people and culture.

In her address to the guests, Ambassador Pavlova pointed out, that this year the Bulgarian Embassy celebrates the 24^th of May, the Day of the Bulgarian Alphabet, Education, Culture and the Slavonic Literature in the framework of the 30^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and the RSA. South Africa was characterized as a strategic partner of Bulgaria in the Sub-Saharan Africa, a pillar of democracy, rule of law and human rights on the African continent. She expressed satisfaction of the enhancement of the political dialogue between the two countries and the conditions created for deepening of the trade and economic relations.

Ambassador Pavlova highlighted the eternal nature of the works of the holy brothers - the Saints Cyril and Methodius and the contribution of Bulgaria as a source of knowledge, culture and education for the neighboring countries and the Slavonic world. She pointed out as well the great popularity of this holyday amongst the Bulgarians of all generations and ages, who regardless of where in the world are situated, celebrate spontaneously and enthusiastically  this beloved holiday.

Ms Phumzile Mazibuko, Chief Director “Central Europe, East Europe, Northern European and Baltic States’ in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation addressed the guests on behalf of the host country on the occasion of the 30-th anniversary.