The Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute had the pleasure of hosting a working meeting with Ambassador Dr. Sarmila Dhakal, Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Nepal and founder of the think tank International Relations and Global Diplomacy Dialogue.

Dr Sarmila Dhakal is the former Ambassador of Nepal to the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Spain. This was the first contact established by the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute with the newly created Diplomatic Academy of Nepal. During the meeting, the participants discussed prospects for future cooperation in the fields of diplomatic training, research, and collaboration with the academic and non-governmental sectors.

The Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute was represented by Ms. Silvana Tsokova, Head of the Public Affairs and Cooperation Department; Ms. Ina Kirilova, Chief Expert in the Training, Research and Project Activities Department; and Mr. Nikolay Milovanov, Specialist in the Public Affairs and Cooperation Department.

The two institutions presented their history, mission and activities, with discussions focusing on areas of mutual interest, including specialised training courses and seminars for diplomats and civil servants, research activities and publications, academic and scientific exchange, initiatives targeting the diplomatic corps in both countries, young people and the business community, as well as the role of new technologies in the work of the diplomatic service and public administration. The possibility of signing a Memorandum of Cooperation in the fields of training, research activities and public diplomacy was also discussed.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. Dhakal was presented with the latest English-language publications of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute.

During the meeting, the team of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute also took the opportunity to express its sincere condolences to Dr. Dhakal and to the people of Nepal in the wake of the devastating disaster that recently struck the country.