Deputy FM G. Grancharova (R) and Teodoro Conde (L), Secretary-General of Cervantes Institute, inaugurated Spanish-language Sofia centre. The event was attended by H.E. Ambassador Fernando Arias Gonzalez (back right). Photo by Bulgarian Foreign Ministry
The Spanish Culture and Information Centre named after the famed writer Cervantes has opened doors in Sofia.
In the presence of H.E. Spain's Ambassador to Bulgaria Fernando Arias Gonzalez, Deputy Foreign Minister Gergana Grancharova said that this inauguration event is another strong proof of the close bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Spain.
She stressed on the historic role of Spain being for 50 years second homeland of current Bulgarian Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg before his comeback from exile as ousted king four years ago.
More than 60,000 Bulgarians speak Spanish language, Grancharova also pointed out.
The centre was opened under an agreement between Bulgarian government and the Cervantes Institute, a state-owned organisation created in 1991 with the purpose to popularize and teach Spanish language and promote Spaniard culture throughout the world.
The Institute has centers operating in 27 countries, including Budapest, Bucharest, Warsaw, Belgrade and Moscow, but the Sofia-based Cervantes post will be the largest in the South Eastern Europe, H.E. Ambassador Gonzalez said in his welcoming speech on Saturday.