The Mayor of Ruse and the British Ambassador discussed opportunities for cooperation in the field of culture and youth initiatives

Monday, 06 October 2025

The Mayor of Ruse Municipality Pencho Milkov held a meeting with H.E. Nathaniel Copsey - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom to Bulgaria, who is on his first official visit to the city. The conversation was attended by Deputy Mayors Zlatomira Stefanova, Encho Enchev and Dimitar Nedev, as well as representatives of the diplomatic mission - Tim Buysere, Director of the Trade Department, and Petya Hristova, Political Advisor. Plamena Gagova - Regional Representative of the British-Bulgarian Business Association also participated.

Pencho Milkov presented the strategic advantages of the city, emphasizing the development of education, modern technologies and sustainable industries. “Ruse is developing as a center of knowledge and innovation. All kindergartens now offer robotics classes, and in schools, students are trained in software coding. We are creating conditions for clean production and attracting key investors to support the sustainable development of the region. Ruse is a crossroads between Asia and Europe, and our future is connected with the development of the intermodal terminal, the airport and the Ruse-Veliko Tarnovo highway, designated by the state as a strategic site,” the mayor said. Milkov introduced the ambassador to the positive demographic trend in the city – for the first time in decades, the mechanical growth rate is positive.

“It is an honor for me to visit Ruse – a city with a European spirit, energy and ambitions. The UK has a vision for closer ties with Bulgaria – easier trade, opportunities for partnership in investments, culture and youth initiatives, stronger cooperation in security and more opportunities for young people to study, work and travel. Ruse is a natural partner in these efforts,” said Ambassador Kopsi.

The conversation also discussed issues related to the Bulgarian community of nearly 300 thousand people in Great Britain and the small British community in our country, mainly in the coastal regions and the Veliko Tarnovo region. There are also British citizens settled in the Ruse municipality, and both sides expressed readiness for cooperation in case of emerging challenges. It was emphasized that social services in Ruse are also open to foreign citizens.

During the meeting, emphasis was also placed on cultural cooperation - Ambassador Kopsi was invited to participate in the March Music Days in 2026. He expressed readiness for the upcoming exhibition of the British Embassy in 2026, dedicated to the activities of William Gladstone and the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising, to visit Ruse.

The possibility of the initiative "International Award of the Duke of Edinburgh - Bulgaria" to be implemented in the region was also discussed. The award itself stimulates and certifies the activities of adolescents, their qualities and skills that are developed outside of an academic or school environment.

In the evening, the senior diplomat will host an official reception, which will be attended by representatives of state and local authorities and local businesses.

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