The Confucius Institute at Sofia University held its 2025 Board Meeting

On October 16, the 2025 Board Meeting of the Confucius Institute at Sofia University was convened in a hybrid format, combining online and on-site participation. Participants included: Professor Georgi Valchev, Rector of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”; Professor Gergana Petkova, Dean of the Department of Classical and Modern Philology; Professor Nako Stefanov, Research Fellow at the Center for Eastern Languages and Cultures and Honorary Bulgarian Director of the Confucius Institute in Sofia; Associate Professor Antonia Tsankova, head of “South, Eastern and Southeastern Asia” Major at the Department of Classical and Modern Philology; Professor Ding Hao, Vice Rector of Beijing Foreign Studies University; Mr. Liu Xiaochen, Deputy Director of the Office of Confucius Institute at BFSU; Mr. Dong Xixiao, Vice Dean of the School of European Languages and Cultures at BFSU; Mrs. Aksiniya Koleva, Bulgarian Director of the Confucius Institute at Sofia University; Professor Chen Ying, Chinese Director; etc.

In his speech, Rector Georgi Valchev noted that the two universities share a solid foundation for cooperation. As an important bridge between China and Bulgaria, the Confucius Institute in Sofia has achieved remarkable results in Chinese language education and cultural exchange. He emphasized that Sofia university will continue to fully support the development of the Confucius Institute and work together to open a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.

Vice Rector Ding Hao gave full recognition to the outstanding achievements of the Confucius Institute in Sofia over the past year and expressed gratitude for the continuous support from Sofia University. He pointed out that 2026 will mark the 20th anniversary of the Confucius Institute in Sofia, and that a series of events should be organized to take this opportunity to further enhance the institute’s influence. He also expressed hope that the Confucius Institute will continue to serve as a bridge, deepening cooperation between the two universities in talent development, building digital resources, international publishing, etc.

The board members approved the report of the previous year’s meeting, reviewed and examined the Confucius Institute’s 2025 work report, financial report, and the work plan for 2026, and held in-depth discussions on issues related to the development of the Confucius Institute.

As one of the world’s first "Model Confucius Institutes," the Confucius Institute in Sofia, has, since its establishment, remained deeply rooted in the local community and committed to serving the local population. It serves as an important platform for Bulgarians to learn Chinese language and gain insight into Chinese culture, playing a vital role in promoting linguistic and cultural exchange as well as mutual understanding between China and Bulgaria.

Confucius Institute in Sofia

Text: Zhang Kaiyue

Photos: Biliana Isaeva, Liu Min

Editors: Chen Ying, Aksiniya Koleva, Chen Chen

English translation: Dima Pironkova

Photo 1: Rector Georgi Valchev delivers a speech

Photo 2: Vice Rector Ding Hao delivers a speech

Photo 3: During the board meeting

Photo 4: Group photo of both parties