Kuwaitis with ‘Schengen’ can enter Bulgaria
KUWAIT CITY, Nov 27: Bulgarian Ambassador to Kuwait Dimitar Dimitrov has affirmed that his country is keen on strengthening ties with Kuwait in various fields; especially the cultural field, since it is one of the strongest and closest bridges between peoples, reports Al-Qabas daily.
Speaking on the sidelines of a concert he organized at the Bulgarian Embassy recently, Dimitrov said: “Cultural relations have a special role in bringing people together. We always encourage our musicians and singers to participate in such events in Kuwait, which has always been very open to organizing these events.”
He stated that every Kuwaiti or expatriate who holds a Schengen visa can enter Bulgaria without the need to obtain a Bulgarian visa, although Bulgaria has yet to be a part of the Schengen area. “As a member of the European Union, we apply the standards applied by Schengen countries. Tourists who do not hold a Schengen visa must apply for Bulgarian visa,” he explained.
He affirmed that Bulgaria has repeatedly called for visa exemption for Kuwaitis, but there are procedures related to the institutions of the European Union like the European Commission and European Parliament.
Cooperation
On medical cooperation between his country and Kuwait, Dimitrov confirmed the positive role of Bulgaria in this regard. “Many Bulgarian doctors and nurses have been working in Kuwait for years. Less than 500 Bulgarians are currently residing here,” he added.
On certificates issued by universities in Bulgaria, he asserted: “We want to increase the number of accredited Bulgarian universities. Several Bulgarians, who are working here, obtained their certificates from Bulgaria and there has been no problem so far.
The Ministry of Higher Education and the National Authority for Academic Accreditation and Education Quality in Kuwait are implementing regulations regarding the accreditation of foreign universities.
These procedures concern Kuwait, so we are hoping that Bulgarian universities and higher institutes will be accredited soon, especially since a number of Kuwaitis have graduated from Bulgarian universities; including those who completed a degree in Medicine and they have significantly contributed to the development of the health sector in Kuwait.”