site.btaCulture Minister Minekov Discusses War, Cultural Heritage and Help from Bulgaria with Ukrainian Counterpart

Culture Minister Velislav Minekov and his Ukrainian counterpart, Oleksandr Tkachenko, held an online meeting Thursday at the request of the latter. They focused primarily on the ongoing war, the threatened cultural heritage and the help from Bulgaria, the Culture Ministry said on its website.

Expressing solidarity with Ukraine and regret that it is still continuing, Minekov stressed that it is extremely important to establish an international commission to review the state and extent of destruction of immovable cultural monuments. He also declared readiness to assist Ukraine with specialists in the field of immovable cultural heritage, as well as with personal participation in such initiatives.

Also, assistance to Ukraine will include purchasing materials for the preservation of movable cultural and museum property, adding that the ministry was already procuring the necessary items. According to Minekov, there should be full information about the stolen valuables, which should not only be passed on to Bulgarian customs and services, but also in the direction of the EU and the U.S.

In addition, it was decided months ago that Ukrainian children would be enrolled in art and culture schools under the Culture Ministry.

Tkachenko expressed gratitude for the support and assistance to Ukraine from Bulgaria and Minekov personally. As they were speaking just minutes after the latest attack on his country, the Ukrainian Culture Minister said that in his opinion Odessa’s inclusion in UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger should be initiated. He pointed out that he is counting on Bulgaria, as a member of the World Heritage Committee, to adopt such a decision as soon as possible.

In the course of the discussion, Minekov said he has invited UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone to visit Bulgaria and will discuss the situation with the Ukrainian cultural heritage with him, among other matters.

Tkachenko also declared the need of sending generators to ensure the work of institutions such as theatres, museums and operas in Ukraine.

The sides agreed to confer again in January.