Bulgarian President calls for cultural institute abroad

President Iliana Iotova called for Bulgaria to establish a cultural institute abroad, saying the country had the means to pursue an independent foreign policy, at the annual conference of Bulgarian ambassadors in Sofia.

Iotova said Bulgaria had its own culture and history but was not making sufficient use of its internationally recognised cultural influence. She said the proposal was not about nationalism or territorial claims, but about cultural diplomacy that opens doors, citing Bulgaria's upcoming hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest as an example.

"Bulgaria needs a cultural institute abroad," Iotova said. She added that the country should promote not only its historical heritage but also its contemporary achievements in technology, the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) reported.

Editor: Ivo Ivanov