Deputy Minister Velizar Shalamanov: Scientific and Technological Diplomacy Are a Driver of the Strategic Partnership Between Bulgaria and the United States
28 April 2026 News
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Velizar Shalamanov participated in a lecture delivered by Eng. Dr Petko Dinev at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, organised at the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the framework of the joint celebrations between Bulgaria and the United States in 2026.
In his address on behalf of Minister Nadezhda Neynski, Deputy Minister Shalamanov underlined the role of scientific and technological diplomacy as an important instrument for deepening strategic cooperation between the two countries. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of academic exchange, innovation and the active participation of young people in the development of sustainable bilateral relations.
“It is a great honour for me to be here. I am deeply moved by the attention extended to me by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the invitation and the entire programme,” stated Eng. Dr Petko Dinev at the beginning of his lecture, which focused on new technologies in space exploration and the Bulgarian contribution to the Artemis programme of NASA. Eng. Dr Dinev presented his professional journey from Bulgaria to the United States and shared his experience in the fields of high technology and space research. In his presentation, he highlighted the contribution of Bulgarian specialists to international scientific and innovation projects and encouraged students to pursue development in science, technology and space exploration.
The event took place within the framework of the joint celebrations in 2026 marking significant anniversaries in the bilateral relations between Bulgaria and the United States, including the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Defence Cooperation Agreement, and five years of scientific and technological cooperation.
The initiative was attended by the Rector of Sofia University, Prof. Dr Georgi Valchev, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States in Sofia, Martin McDowell. The lecture concluded with a discussion with students.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, and the Student Diplomatic Club.
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