Jiangsu Nantong Evening News – China–Bulgaria Education and Culture Cooperation Alliance Established in Nantong
Introduction:
Here is a translated and summarized version of a news article originally published by Jiangsu Nantong Evening News (via XHBY). It reports on the founding of the China–Bulgaria Education and Culture Cooperation Alliance at Nantong University, highlighting key figures, goals, and the spirit of cooperation.
Summary of the Article:
On April 24, 2025, the inaugural conference of the China–Bulgaria Education and Culture Cooperation Alliance was held at Nantong University. The ceremony was attended by a high‑level Bulgarian delegation, including Grigor Vladimirov, Chairman of the Bulgarian National Education Foundation; Eleonora Tankova, Vice Rector of Varna Free University; Yang Ming, Secretary‑General of the Alliance; and Law Sarah, Secretary General of the Asia‑Bulgaria Association of Culture, Sport and Tourism.
Organized by Nantong University together with Varna Free University, the event was supported by Nantong’s International Cooperation Office, the School of Textiles & Fashion, and the Institute of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Over 40 representatives from Chinese higher‑education institutions—such as Guilin Tourism University, Shanghai Jianqiao University, China University of Geosciences, Suzhou University, Wuhan East Lake University, and others—participated.
During his welcoming remarks, Wang Weidong, Vice Secretary of the Party Committee at Nantong University, emphasized the long and deep cooperation between China and Bulgaria in culture, education, and science. He called upon participating universities to seize the Alliance as a new opportunity to expand collaborative fields, deepen educational exchange, and build a shared future rooted in civilizational connectivity.
Eleonora Tankova expressed gratitude to all founding partners—including the Chinese Ministry of Education, the Bulgarian Embassy in China, and institutions that laid the groundwork for the Alliance. She envisioned the Alliance as an “innovative platform” for collaboration in science, education, culture, and sustainable development, ushering in a fresh chapter in China–Bulgaria educational cooperation.
The Alliance’s charter was unanimously adopted, and leadership roles were elected:
-
Wang Weidong was chosen as the Chinese rotating chair
-
Petar Hristov, Rector of Varna Free University, as the Bulgarian rotating chair
-
Grigor Vladimirov as the rotating Executive Chair
They also presented leadership certificates and officially inaugurated the China–Europe “Belt & Road” Art Research Institute.
In breakout sessions, Chinese universities and Varna Free University held further talks on joint initiatives: they discussed establishing cooperative “Belt & Road” programs, launching joint undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, fostering talent development, and enabling scholar exchanges.
After the formal meetings, the Bulgarian guests and other participants visited the Blue Calico Museum at Nantong University, deepening their appreciation of Chinese cultural heritage.
Looking forward, the Alliance plans to continue growing: it aims to welcome more universities, institutions, and individuals passionate about China–Bulgaria cultural and educational exchange—and to drive deeper, sustainable cooperation for mutual benefit.
