On November 13 Bulgarian Culture Minister professor Stefan Danailov met Austrian Federal Minister for Education, Arts and Culture doctor Claudia Schmied in Vienna, a media statement by the Culture Ministry said.

The two ministers discussed bilateral cultural relations which developed rapidly in recent years. Danailov thanked Schmied for the cooperation in organising Bulgarian cultural activities in Austria.

Cooperation within the EU framework was discussed as well. Danailov expressed Bulgaria's desire to work actively for the recognition of culture's new look. He said Bulgaria would support the adoption of an EU Council of Ministers resolution in connection with the European Commission announcement for a European Culture Programme.

Danailov and Schmied talked about the EU-Russia dialogue which would be discussed at the Brussels EU Council of Ministers meeting on November 16. Danailov outlined Bulgaria's contribution to the development of the EU-Russia culture dialogue and the carrying out of Russia's Year in Bulgaria (2008) and Bulgaria's Year in Russia (2009).

Danailov focused on the possibilities of intensifying Bulgarian-Austrian cultural exchange.

Dr Schmied informed Danailov on the programme Austria was preparing in relation to the proclamation of Linz as European Capital of Culture in 2009. She invited Bulgaria to participate with its own projects. The two ministers agreed on putting the focus on youth art.

Cooperation within the framework of intergovernmental organisations such as UNESCO and the Council of Europe was also discussed. Danailov informed his Austrian colleague of Bulgaria's intention to become a UNESCO regional centre for non-material cultural heritage, as well as the forthcoming special session of the Intergovernmental Committee for Non-Material Heritage to be held in Sofia in February 2008.

Danailov invited Schmied to visit Bulgaria in 2008 and she accepted gladly, the media statement said.