Over 30 scholars of Slavic studies took part in International Forum on Cyrillic alphabet in Sofia

Bulgarian letters, language and literature are the key to the Slavic and world cultural heritage, Vice President, Iliana Iotova, said on June 27 at the opening of the International Forum on Cyrillic Alphabet "Alphabet. Language. Identity", which is held on her initiative.

More than 30 Slavic studies scholars from 11 countries are participating in the conference. They discuss the importance of Slavic heritage, its preservation and dissemination. Iliana Iotova noted that scientific research prevents the temptation to create a fictitious history, which inevitably leads to political conflicts between countries.

"We do not challenge the sovereignty of modern states, nor their language, we do not prevent anyone from self-determination. But we will very much prevent precisely these attempts to rewrite history, to appropriate facts. We want to be good neighbours, but let us respect our common cultural heritage. because it is the key to no disputes and conflicts. Science, research protects against the temptation of fictitious history, which inevitably leads to political or bilateral or inter-state conflicts," said Iliana Iotova - Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria.

"In dynamic times of rapid development of technology, economy, globalism, we are forced to rediscover the role of the native language as one of the deepest symbols of identity, to strengthen this bridge in time and space, which brings us back home, to our roots, to ourselves, but which also opens us to other nations and cultures," said Rumen Radev - President of the Republic of Bulgaria.