Both Directors Of the Confucius Institute In Sofia Have Visited The Town Of Kostinbrod

On March 6th, 2025 Mrs Aksiniya Koleva – the Bulgarian director of the Confucius Institute in Sofia, and Prof. Chen Ying – the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute in Sofia, have visited the town of Kostinbrod. There they have met Mr Trayko Mladenov - the Mayor of the city, Mr Aleksandar Nenov - the deputy Mayor of the city, Mrs Bistra Boyanova - the Head of the Department For Education, Youth Policy, Sports, Culture and Social Activities in the city, and Mr Kiril Stanev - the Headmaster of the “Dr. Petar Beron” Secondary School in Kostinbrod. Mr Kiril Stanev - The Headmaster of the “Dr. Petar Beron” Secondary School and Mrs Bistra Boyanova, have exchanged views on the future possibilities for cooperation in the Chinese language teaching, some cultural activities and other points of interest.

The Mayor Mr Trajko Mladenov has introduced the town's geographical advantages, its infrastructure, economic development indices and big projects under construction, etc. He has expressed his hope to deepen the understanding of China and to carry out cooperation with China through language and cultural exchanges, especially through the launch of Chinese language teaching in town.
Both directors of the Confucius Institute in Sofia (from the Chinese and from the Bulgarian side) have reviewed the development history of the CIS,and have briefly introduced the current Chinese language teaching and the organization of cultural activities, especially important festivals such as the International Chinese Language Day and the Confucius Institute Day, and have said that they have been looking forward to cooperating with the town of Kostinbrod by sharing resources, complementing each other's advantages, and by jointly promoting the educational and cultural exchanges between China and Bulgaria.
As a result of the visit, the Confucius Institute in Sofia will offer Chinese language courses starting from the autumn school term at the “Dr. Peter Beron” Secondary School in Kostinbrod. CIS will be invited to participate in the International Folklore Festival in April this year, where they will demonstrate the brilliant traditional culture of China to the local population.
The town of Kostinbrod is located in the western part of Bulgaria and is rich in history and culture. Kostinbrod is a town of significance featuring important light industry amenities. Moreover, it is located on a major transportation route. The “Dr. Peter Beron” Secondary School is the largest school in town with more than 700 students. The school have won numerous awards for excellence in science, art and sports.

Confucius Institute in Sofia
Text: Chen Chen
Photos: Prof. Chen Ying
Editors: Prof. Chen Ying, Aksiniya Koleva
English translation: Maya Kostadinova

Picture 1. The bilateral meeting.

Picture 2. The Mayor of Kostinbrod (second from right) and the Deputy-mayor of Kostinbrod (first from left) have presented gifts to the Confucius Institute in Sofia.

Picture 3. A group photo of both parties.