The chair of the National Assembly Mihail Mikov and other deputies have attended the solemn opening of the new academic 2013/2014 year in the University “St St Cyril and Methodius” in Veliko Turnovo.

Mihail Mikov has greeted the students, the teaching staff and the leadership of the university with the beginning of the school year. He noted that the year 2013 marks the 50th anniversary since the establishment of the University and also marks the 1150th anniversary since the mission carried by the brothers Cyril and Methodius, patrons of the university, in Great Moravia. In his words the knowledge and the alphabet, left by the two brothers from Salonika, were the reason why first year students cross the doorstep of one of the most prestigious educational establishments in Bulgaria.

“I am convinced you have come here thrilled by one great emotion –  to be able to touch time and obtain knowledge” said in his address the president of the National Assembly. “In times when the access to knowledge is universal, when the world of books, libraries and traditional acquiring of knowledge seem as if they lose importance, dear freshmen this is far from true” stressed Mihail Mikov. He underscored that besides knowledge in the university, students will find friends for life and added that the international activity of the University of Veliko Turnovo opens wide the doors for exchange of ideas and friendship with neighboring and farther countries.

The address of the Speaker of the National Assembly was followed by the oath of the students, thus opening the new academic year.

The Head of the University, Prof. Plamen Legkostup, gave as present to Mihail Mikov a  small sculpture of the brothers Cyril and Methodius.