OREANDA-NEWS. February 5, 2009. Dmitry Medvedev and President of Bulgaria Inaugurated Year of Bulgaria in Russia. The heads of state congratulated the people of their two countries on this auspicious event.

The Year of Bulgaria in Russia takes up the torch in the process begun in 2008 with the Year of Russia in Bulgaria which, according to Dmitry Medvedev, has strengthened relations between the two states and increased cooperation between regions and cities, between business and non-profit organisations, and helped hundreds of thousands of people learn more about each other.

In his speech Georgi Parvanov stressed that the results of his visit prove that the positive trend in bilateral relations is irreversible and that relations are developing dynamically in a positive direction.

The programme of the Year of Bulgaria in Russia comprises more than 120 events in the sphere of culture, education, science and the economy. The most notable event will be the Bulgarian National Exhibition in Moscow and the Festival of Bulgarian Culture.