Send to Kindle
Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov (middle) shakes hands with first Bulgarian cosmonaut Georgi Ivanov; Russian Ambassador Yuriy Isakov is second on the right. Photo by BGNES
Bulgaria's President Georgi Parvanov has welcomed a delegation of Bulgarian and Russian cosmonauts stressing the possibilities for bilateral space cooperation.
The meeting was in connection with the 50th anniversary of first manned space flight – that of Yuri Gagarin – on April 12, 1961.
Earlier on Wednesday, the same delegation - consisting of Russian cosmonauts Viktor Savinih and Yuri Gizdenko, Bulgarian cosmonauts Georgi Ivanov, Alexander Alexandfrov and Krasimir Stoyanov, Petar Getsov, head of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences' Space Research Institute, as well as Russian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Yuriy Isakov, and the Chair of the Federation for Friendship with the Peoples of Russia, Prof. Zahari Zahariev – was welcomed by Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and Parliament Speaker Tsetska Tsacheva, with the government promising to take measures to join the European Space Agency.
Prof. Zahari Zahariev and Russian cosmonaut Viktor Savinih thanked Bulgarian President Parvanov for his patronage of the celebrations of the 50th year since Gagarin's flight.
"The celebration of the 50th year since sending the first man in space is great occasion on which to discuss the present situation and the future of space research in Bulgaria. The Bulgarians have the self-confidence of being able to develop as a space nation," President Georgi Parvanov said.
He welcomed the possibilities for cooperation between Bulgaria and Russia in space research, which can lead to sending a third Bulgarian cosmonaut in space.
So far, two Bulgarian cosmonauts, Georgi Ivanov in 1979 and Alexander Alexandrov in 1988, have entered space, both on Soviet Union flights. Earlier this week, Bulgaria's first cosmonaut Gen. Georgi Ivanov, at a special press conference, has urged the government to take steps to reinvigorate and develop the Bulgarian space program.
Back in 2010, on several occasions, US Ambassador to Bulgaria James Warlick mentioned the possibility that a Bulgarian astronaut could potentially fly on a NASA mission.
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
In a recent statement, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov issued a stern warning to Poland, asserting that any permanent deployment of NATO nuclear weapons on Polish soil would render the country a military target for Russia.
Reports confirm that Ukraine has deployed long-range ballistic missiles provided by the United States in secret, targeting Russian forces in occupied territories
Russia has declared its intention to repatriate 48 deported Ukrainian children to their families, according to Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian Commissioner for Children's Rights
United Nations resolution aimed at halting the arms race in space, proposed by the United States and Japan, failed to pass the UN Security Council due to Russia's veto, Reuters and DPA reported
As Russia prepares to mark Victory Day, commemorating the Soviet Union's triumph in World War II, festivities are set to be scaled back for the second consecutive year due to security threats linked to the war in Ukraine and recent acts of terrorism
Reports emerged last night of renewed Russian missile fire targeting the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, intensifying fears of escalating conflict in the region
Barbara Leaf, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Middle East Affairs, criticized the Yemeni Houthis for their inhumane actions in capturing merchant ships, including the "Galaxy Leader"
In a testament to enduring friendship, this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China
Italy has thrown its weight behind Bulgaria's bid for full-fledged membership in the Schengen area, affirming its steadfast support during Italian President Sergio Mattarella's two-day visit to Bulgaria
In a strategic move aimed at reinforcing Bulgaria's commitment to its European aspirations and tackling corruption, outgoing Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov held a crucial meeting with EU, Ukrainian, US, and British ambassadors
In a statement that underscores the United States' keen interest in Bulgaria's political landscape, US Ambassador Kenneth Merten expressed disappointment at the failure of negotiations to form a government in the country
Nathaniel Copsey has been appointed as the new British Ambassador to the Republic of Bulgaria, succeeding Rob Dixon, announced the British Embassy
UN Happiness Report: Bulgaria's Astonishing Leap in Rankings
Bulgaria: 3 Regions With Lowest Life Expectancy - EU Report 2022
