01.10.2019
“Jordan is an extremely important and desirable partner for Bulgaria. We appreciate the role and influence of the Kingdom at both regional and global level, so the goal of Bulgaria is to develop mutually beneficial relations in areas of strategic importance for both countries." This s what Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said during his meeting with the Princess of Jordan - Her Royal Highness Dana Firas.
Princess Firas is a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and President of the Petra National Trust, the oldest national non-governmental organization in the field of protection and preservation of Jordan's heritage.
Prime Minister Borissov emphasized that the activation of the bilateral cooperation in a number of key areas is evidence for the strong will to develop the relations between the two countries
The focus of the conversation was the development of cultural and historical tourism, as well as of programs for the implementation of training for the preservation of cultural heritage from a young age.
"Our country has exceptional potential for tourism and is on the third place in Europe in the number of artifacts after Greece and Italy," Prime Minister Borissov said and added that the Bulgarian government supports the idea of an inextricable link between culture and tourism.
Prime Minister Borissov emphasized that tourism as an economic sector, despite the great international competition, is increasingly establishing Bulgaria as a recognizable and preferred destination. In this regard, nearly 12% of GDP in Bulgaria is formed by tourism, which attracted over 9.2 million foreign visitors for the first time last year. The sector covers 11% of the total employment in the country and together with its accompanying industries is part of the sustainable development of the Bulgarian economy.
During the visit of Princess Dana Firas, the launching of a pilot initiative to educate adolescents in protection and preservation of the cultural heritage, using the experience of Petra National Trust to present historical monuments in an appropriate and authentic way, was agreed upon. For the purpose of the initiative, a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism of Bulgaria and the Petra National Trust is to be signed.
"We provide opportunities for large-scale archeological activities for scientists not only because we are convinced that the preservation of cultural and historical heritage is a key to sustainable development, but because we accept that our commitment to it is equivalent to our attitude towards future generations," also said Prime Minister Borissov to Princess Dana Firas. In the course of the conversation, the Prime Minister put an emphasis on the Princess’ dedication for her work to teach children from a young age about the value of cultural heritage.
"Education is another major priority of the Bulgarian government and any initiative that fosters not only the mentality of successful economic realization but also respect for history is more than worthy of respect," concluded Prime Minister Borissov.
