Mr Parmelin’s visit aims to foster and further develop good bilateral scientific relations between Switzerland and Bulgaria. In addition to Prime Minister Jeliazkov and President Radev, Mr Parmelin will also meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev, Minister of Education and Science Krasimir Valchev and Minister of the Environment Manol Genov. The discussions will focus on bilateral relations, close cooperation between Swiss and Bulgarian stakeholders in the fields of research and innovation, and the second Swiss contribution to selected EU countries.

During the visit, Mr Parmelin will visit the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT). INSAIT is a research institute for computer science and artificial intelligence and is committed to excellence. In the four years since its foundation, it has achieved remarkable results and established itself among the elite of European research cooperation. The institute was established in close partnership between Sofia University and the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology in Zurich and Lausanne. Through this partnership, Switzerland is contributing to strengthening the European Research Area and further developing research cooperation with Bulgaria in the field of new technologies.

As part of Switzerland's second contribution to selected EU member states, Switzerland and Bulgaria are cooperating in various areas, including research, vocational education and training, and the environment. The cooperation programme is tailored to Bulgaria's current needs and creates opportunities to jointly strengthen important areas by drawing on Swiss expertise. Switzerland's contribution of CHF 92.5 million until 2029 complements Bulgaria's activities in the areas mentioned.

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GS-EAER Communications +41 58 462 20 07 info@gs-wbf.admin.ch

Publisher:

Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research