Minister Velislava Petrova Meets Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati
12 June 2026 News
Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova met today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Mayor of Niagara Falls, Canada, Jim Diodati, who is visiting Bulgaria to promote cultural diplomacy. The visit takes place on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Canada.
The two expressed confidence that the visit would contribute to the expansion of bilateral ties and the further development of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in a number of areas of common interest, including trade and investment, science and technology, innovation, culture, tourism, and people-to-people contacts.
During the meeting, high appreciation was expressed for Mayor Diodati’s personal commitment to promoting initiatives of the sizeable Bulgarian community in Niagara Falls and for his consistent support for the promotion of Bulgarian culture and traditions in Canada. Minister Velislava Petrova and Jim Diodati highlighted the contribution of Bulgarians in Canada to the country’s economic, social and cultural life, as well as to strengthening bilateral relations.
Bulgaria’s top diplomat and the Mayor of Niagara Falls also discussed opportunities for the exchange of best practices in the field of tourism and for building greater international recognition of the “Brand Bulgaria” concept.
Minister Petrova noted Niagara Falls’ successful experience as a world-renowned tourist destination, while Mayor Diodati, in turn, highlighted Bulgaria’s considerable potential in the tourism sector, given its outstanding natural landmarks and rich cultural heritage. He expressed the view that Bulgaria possesses unique advantages and resources that merit broader international recognition and could contribute to establishing the country as a highly attractive destination for tourism, investment and cultural exchange.
Jim Diodati noted that, thanks to the active Bulgarian community in Canada, emblematic Bulgarian products such as rose oil and yoghurt are gaining increasing popularity.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Mayor Diodati presented Minister Petrova with a painting of Niagara Falls, which, with his support, is illuminated each year in the colours of the Bulgarian national flag to mark Bulgaria’s National Day on 3 March.
More photos
