Kristian Vigenin congratulated Irina Bokova on her nomination for a second term as UNESCO Director-General
11 October 2013 News
During his visit to France, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kristian Vigenin met with Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO. He congratulated Ms Bokova on her imposing victory in the elections for Director-General of the organization, held within the UNESCO Executive Board, who nominated her for a second four-year term.
They exchanged views on the challenges faced by UNESCO and the future of the organization, as well as Bulgaria's participation in its activities. Irina Bokova thanked for the significant and important support of the Bulgarian state and the Bulgarian diplomacy in the election campaign.
Minister Vigenin awarded the Golden Badge of Honour of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Ambassador Alexander Savov, Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to UNESCO, for his contribution to the Director-General election campaign. Awards were received also by other officials from the MFA who have participated actively in the campaign.
Later Minister Vigenin hosted a reception on the occasion of the decision of the UNESCO Executive Board to nominate Irina Bokova for a second term as Director-General of the organisation (2013-2017).
Among the invitees were the heads of diplomatic missions to UNESCO, senior representatives of the French Foreign Ministry, the International Organisation of La Francophonie, prominent Bulgarian intellectuals, living in France, representatives of French cultural institutions, politicians and journalists.
In his toast, Minister Vigenin thanked all members of the Executive Board of UNESCO for the democratic spirit of the elections and in particular the countries that granted their support to Irina Bokova. The Minister stressed that the conducted reforms have improved the functioning of the organization and increased the effectiveness of the programs in all UNESCO fields of competence in times of severe financial crisis. UNESCO is more noticeable and better positioned within the UN system, including in regard to the development of the post-2015 development agenda.
In conclusion, Minister Vigenin wished Ms Bokova success in completing the reform in order to strengthen the UNESCO leadership in the promotion of the values of peace and sustainability.
On the reception, some of the best wines of the Bulgarian producer "Domaine Boyar" were presented.