The main focus of the discussion was on proposals for organizing academic events in connection with the forthcoming significant anniversary – the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Egypt. In this context, agreement was reached on specific joint initiatives, for which the Department of Arabic and Semitic Studies received the full support of Ambassador Nader Saad.

The meeting also addressed possibilities for further strengthening cooperation between the Faculty of Classical and Modern Philology and the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt beyond the framework of the centenary celebrations, including, as Vice-Dean Associate Professor Evstatieva emphasized, through the active involvement of students. Ambassador Nader Saad shared his very positive impressions of Bulgaria and the strong interest in Egyptian culture among the Bulgarian public, highlighting the key role played by Sofia University in this regard.

Professor Simeon Evstatiev presented briefly the current trends in the development of the Department of Arabic and Semitic Studies as a leading academic center in Bulgaria, distinguished by its unique research and educational profile – not only nationally but also across the wider region of Southeastern Europe. In addition to the long-established bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes in Arabic Studies and Middle East Studies offered by the Department, the discussion with Ambassador Nader Saad – also attended by Ms Mariam Mansy, Cultural Attaché at the Embassy – highlighted several aspects of particular relevance to Egypt.

Particular emphasis was placed on the fact that the Department of Arabic and Semitic Studies is the only academic unit in Bulgaria and in the region offering instruction in the Egyptian Arabic dialect. It was also noted that Egyptology in Bulgaria originated approximately four decades ago within the Arabic Studies Program at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski. In 2025, the Department developed and launched the Master’s Programme Egyptology (Language and Culture of Ancient Egypt). In this context, the Department of Arabic and Semitic Studies has taken concrete steps to expand international cooperation with Egyptian universities, including Port Said University, with which the signing of an Erasmus+ agreement is forthcoming.

Professor Simeon Evstatiev further emphasized that Egypt occupies a special place in Bulgaria’s foreign policy. He recalled that Egypt is a key country in the Middle East and North Africa (the MENA region) and that, by establishing diplomatic relations in 1926, Bulgaria successfully diversified its international relations beyond the European continent. After the Second World War, Egypt was the first country with which Bulgaria restored diplomatic relations. “Today,” Professor Evstatiev concluded, “these relations have the potential to evolve into a strategic partnership, as Bulgaria highly values Egypt’s role as a factor of stability in the Middle East and Africa.” Ambassador Nader Saad expressed his agreement with these observations and accepted the invitation of the Department of Arabic and Semitic Studies and the Faculty of Classical and Modern Philology to pay an official visit to Sofia University in the near future.