Municipalities today

The Deputy Mayor for Culture, Archaeology, and Tourism, Plamen Panov, welcomed the students from Okayama, who are in Plovdiv as part of the annual student exchange program between the two twin towns.

"I am very pleased that Plovdiv and Okayama have continued to develop warm and friendly relations through various joint initiatives for 53 years now. One such project that has proven its sustainability over time is the student exchange program between our two cities. It began in 2017, and I am glad that, together with the team from Ivan Vazov Foreign Language High School, I had the opportunity to contribute to the very first exchange, when we welcomed the first group of children from Okayama," said Deputy Mayor Plamen Panov.

He emphasized that the municipal program is a great way to build strong bonds between Bulgarian and Japanese students, which can then be passed on to future generations.

This year, Ivan Vazov Foreign Language High School is hosting eight Japanese students who will spend several days in Plovdiv, getting to know Bulgarian culture, language, and traditions.

The meeting was also attended by the school’s principal, Vihra Eramyan, Bulgarian language and literature teacher Elena Varzilova, and representatives from the International Department of Okayama Municipality.

"This program is very important to us. It is an incredible opportunity for our students to learn about Japanese culture, which has no equivalent. At the same time, we also have the chance to present our city and culture, which are unique," explained Vihra Eramyan.

Representatives from Okayama’s International Department also shared their impressions from their first days in Plovdiv.

"We only arrived yesterday, but we’ve already had the chance to walk along your Main Street. Encountering remnants from different eras was extremely interesting for us, and we understood why Plovdiv is considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. We also visited the Kapana district and were impressed by the street art."

Next year, students from Plovdiv will visit the sister city of Okayama in Japan.