Bachelors and Masters from the International Relations Department Received Their Diplomas

Bachelors of specialities International Relations and European Studies and Masters of specialities International Relations, National Security, Diplomacy and Strategic Analysis received their diplomas.

"The University does not mean only training, it is also social experience and mutual learning. I hope that you will keep your relationships with each other because it is important to transfer the social capital built at the University into your professional career", said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Plamen Ralchev, Head of the International Relations Department.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Plamen Ralchev, the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, Yordan Parvanov, former Ambassador of Bulgaria to the Czech Republic, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Boyko Valchev, Deputy Head of the Department

"I am sure that you will prove and develop your potential, knowing that the difficult success is the sweetest", said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Plamen Ralchev. He added that "the International Relations Department is a brand that we have been building for almost 50 years and I want you to protect it and pass it on. Your upcoming successful career will help you to be the ambassadors of the brand. Be proud of this tradition".

"Dear future ministers, ambassadors and diplomats", these were the words the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov addressed the graduates. "It is difficult to count the ministers who have graduated from this specialty, they are so many, and it gives you a wide field for expression. The International Relations Department persistently maintains its level and the students are also very active. Everything you have gained in terms of knowledge and experience will bear fruit in the future." The Rector also pointed out the importance of the role of diplomats, including in saving lives. He told about the transfer of the Bulgarian contingent in Afghanistan from one base to another, as for the smooth movement was taken care by two diplomats who had previously walked the route and talked to the local people so that there were no casualties, in this case without using military force.

"I am convinced that the International Relations Department gives an excellent start due to its modern education based on tradition and continuity", said Yordan Parvanov from Class 2000 of the Department, former Ambassador of Bulgaria to the Czech Republic. "A very good testimonial to the work is the serious number of ministers, including foreign ones, who were educated here. Be confident in your abilities and your opportunity to find professional realization. The diplomatic work is extremely dynamic, it is also busy, it requires selflessness but it is also rewarding and creative. The diplomacy is a vocation. He wished the graduates confidence in their own abilities, persistence to move this world forward as well as their own development for a strong and prosperous Bulgaria.

Diana Dimova, one of the first graduates of the Department and part of the EU delegation to the Republic of Tajikistan, addressed the graduates by video greeting. She quoted Publius Cyrus: "In order to know your strength, you must use it". She encouraged the graduates to know themselves, their interests, their talents and to build the so-called "growth mindset" - to always be motivated, enthusiastic, not to give up when they have difficulties and to dream boldly. "According to recent research, it is the attitude, not the IQ, that determines the success."

The excellent student of the class is Yveson Tien Chan who studied both International Relations and Medicine

The doyen of the Department Prof. Dr. Dinko Dinkov /in the middle/ also addressed to the graduates inspiring and supportive words.

Prof. Dr. Dinko Dinkov, Director of the Center for Balkan Studies, expressed his contentment to see so many young people who have graduated the specialities of the Department hoping that among them there would be future great personalities and diplomats.