Bali-Bulgaria Discusses Inter-City Sister City Cooperation Opportunities

Bali Governor Wayan Koster and Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister Nikolay Pavlov discussed opportunities for cooperation in the future, in Denpasar, Saturday (1/11/2025). BETWEEN

DENPASAR - The Provincial Government (Pemprov) of Bali and the Government of Bulgaria discussed opportunities for intercity sister city cooperation under the two.

This was discussed first by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bulgaria Nikolay Pavlov. He conveyed that delegates from cities in his country would come to discuss opportunities for cooperation with local governments in Bali.

"The delegation's visit plan is about 25 mayors from various cities in Bulgaria in December, to explore job opportunities between cities of sister City and local governments in Bulgaria and Bali," he said.

Deputy Minister Pavlov expressed his desire for this cooperation because for a long time his countries and Bali have had close relations, even next year Indonesia and Bulgaria will celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations.

According to him, this assessment is not just a formal meeting, but also a symbol of respect for Bali's important role in Indonesia's image in the eyes of the world.

"We want to establish closer relationships with Bali, in the fields of trade, tourism, education, agriculture, and technology exchange," said Pavlov.

He also expressed his appreciation for the workers from Indonesia, especially from Bali, who are considered to have excellent work quality and personality.

One of the opportunities for cooperation highlighted by the Bulagia Government is culture, the Eastern European country is interested in developing cultural exchanges, including the possibility of inviting Balinese artists to appear at art festivals in Bulgaria, as well as bringing Bulgarian art groups to Bali.

Responding to this discussion, Bali Governor Wayan Koster welcomed the plan to visit a Bulgarian delegation to establish a sister city with regencies/cities in Bali.

"We are ready to open a space for communication and cooperation that brings real benefits to society, both in the fields of culture, education, and the creative economy," said Koster.

Regarding cultural cooperation, the Bali Provincial Government is also enthusiastic and immediately invites Bulgarians to participate in the Bali Arts Party (PKB), which is a promotion and preservation event for Balinese culture.

"Through art, we build a bridge of the heart and taste between nations," he said.

In addition, the Bali Provincial Government has also proposed cooperation in student exchanges and cooperation between universities, in order to expand the insight of the younger generation and strengthen relations between nations through educational channels.

In closing the initial discussion of this cooperation plan, Governor Koster gave a souvenir in the form of Balinese endek cloth to Deputy Minister Pavlov as a symbol of the beauty of the traditions and creativity of the Balinese people, as well as a form of real support for local MSMEs.