The Ambassador of Austria wished to Veliko Tarnovo to fight for European capital of culture

The upcoming visit of Mayor Daniel Panov in Graz is one of the major commitments that his Excellency Mr. Gerhard Rajveger, Ambassador to Austria was taken to Veliko Tarnovo. He expressed the hope that both the emphasis during the visit and in the talks with the Mayor of Graz, European capital of culture, and the twinning between the two cities will be his parting gift to the old capital towards the end of his term in Bulgarian.

“The implementation of effective and workable partnership between Veliko Tarnovo and Graz-Styria are especially important for me because this is my "homeland" in Austria”, the Ambassador said, "I'm happy and satisfied by the fact that both cities will work together".

Daniel Panov said he was impressed by the remarkable way in which the symbiosis between the new has taken place and the traditional architecture in Graz, the persistent effects of the European capital of culture in 2003. "these are extremely valuable, useful and important lessons for Veliko Tarnovo", said the Mayor.

Ambassador Rajveger said that two years ago the idea of a partnership between the two cities came from similar geographical position, the Highlands, the characteristic architecture of the two cities. Built an artificial island in the territory of the city in the Mur River is one of the new achievements, which are part of the modern vision of the city as a "heritage" of the European capital of culture.

During his visit in Graz Mayor Daniel Panov will visit all the major projects implemented within the framework of the project of European capital of culture in 2003.

The University of Graz has a strong focus on culture, history and studies of South-Eastern Europe is the Balkan peninsula. Real steps will be taken for the establishment of partnership between the two universities. History of the Ottoman Empire and its interaction with the Austro-Hungarian Empire are the subject of serious research, University of Graz.

The Ambassador expressed his congratulations for the classification of Veliko Tarnovo for the final selection of the European capital of culture. The presentation made by the team of the candidacy to the jury has made a strong impression and is something that is still being commented on. He expressed his hope that Veliko Tarnovo will manage to win a contested race for the prestigious title.

Gerhard Rajveger expressed his gratitude to the Mayor for the successful realization and extension of the project "days of Austria in Veliko Tarnovo.