Bulgarian Community Meets Ambassador Petkov

With bread and salt, the Bulgarian community warmly welcomed diplomats Luchezar Petkov and Boriana Petkova in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Archangel Day in a ceremony at the La Camarilla fitness center in Scottsdale/Phoenix, Arizona.

Ambassador Petkov hinted at future changes in visa requirements for Bulgarians traveling/relocating to the United States. Additionally, he discussed future projects to attract American investors to Bulgaria. The ambassador also participated in meetings in the state and city Chambers of Commerce.

Petkov’s wife, Boriana, a renowned actress and director, is highly involved in and coordinates many cultural and fine arts projects. She stated the possibility of a collaboration between contemporary Bulgarian artists and U.S. universities.

Margaret DuBois, President of the Arizona Chapter of People to People International, welcomed the attendees on behalf of the organization. People to People was responsible for inviting Mr. Petkov to Arizona. Mrs. Dubois spoke about the goals and projects of People to People, which are meant to achieve understanding and tolerance between nations and races by learning about one another.

Bulgarian dishes, including banitsa, loaves of traditional Bulgarian bread, boiled grains, baklava, and other national specialties were offered to the guests and hosts. There was traditional Bulgarian music as well as some contemporary music.

Inside the fitness center, guests glimpsed the works of Jack Dubal and other local artists. The dance group American International Folk Dance Troop performed some Bulgarian traditional dances.