Rasikh Sagitov, Regional Coordinator of the OWHC Secretariat for Euro-Asia, met with Nikolay Dimitrov, Mayor of Nessebar (Bulgaria), to discuss possible cooperation within the framework of the Organization of World Heritage Cities. Cultural continuity and heritage preservation were the key topics for discussion during the visit.

Rasikh Sagitov noted that the Organization of World Heritage Cities is engaged in the promotion, protection and transfer of objects included in the UNESCO World Heritage List to future generations. He also stressed that the organization’s Regional Secretariat for Euro-Asia, he is the coordinator of, will be very glad to cooperate with Nessebar.

Nikolay Dimitrov expressed satisfaction with the result of the meeting and stated the importance of holding thematic conferences and events to promote historical and cultural sites of UNESCO. The Mayor of the city also noted that he wishes to establish twinning relations with the city of Bolgar (Russia).

The Regional Coordinator of the OWHC Secretariat for Euro-Asia said that the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee will be held in Kazan next year and invited the Mayor of Nessebar to take part in this event. Nikolay Dimitrov will also attend the XI International Conference of Eurasia World Heritage Cities, which will be held in Kazan in 2022 as well.

The city of Nessebar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1956, Nessebar was declared an architectural and archaeological reserve, and in 1983 a cultural monument.