Chinese embassy donates books to Bulgarian libraries

SOFIA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria donated nearly 2,600 books to 56 libraries in Bulgaria at a ceremony held in Sofia on Wednesday.

The ceremony, titled "The Silk Road of the Book," was held at the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (ULSIT). It was jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria and the ULSIT.

Addressing the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli said that due to differences in history, culture, values, and national characteristics, Western societies still do not know very well about China, which has a 5,000-year history and rich cultural heritage.

"We hope that through these publications, Bulgarian readers will feel closer to China and come to know it better -- both to discover the treasures of an ancient Eastern civilization and to understand the fundamental principles upon which the governance of modern China is based," Dai added.

ULSIT Rector Irena Peteva said she was convinced that these books would find their readers and spark new interests, acquaintances, and opportunities for collaboration.