Authorities give ambassadors of four countries tour of St Sophia

Newly appointed ambassadors of Bulgaria, Estonia, India and Germany visited the St Sophia of Kyiv National Reserve. Photo: reserve press service

On August 19, the newly appointed ambassadors of Bulgaria, Estonia, India and Germany visited the St Sophia of Kyiv National Reserve before presenting their credentials to President Volodymyr Zelensky, the reserve’s press service reported.

The diplomats were given a tour of the 11th-century St Sophia Cathedral, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The guests were told about the history of the monument and the distinctive features of its architecture.

During the visit, the ambassadors viewed the cathedral’s mosaics and frescoes. Representatives of the reserve also briefed them on current challenges related to preserving Ukraine’s cultural heritage.

After the tour, the diplomats proceeded to the ceremony for the presentation of credentials. Zelensky received the documents from the new ambassadors and congratulated them on the start of their diplomatic service in Ukraine.

The reserve said such visits are also used to draw international attention to the preservation of Ukrainian cultural monuments.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that on August 17 Ukrainian officials presented their vision for the future of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra by its millennium in 2051, describing the monastery, among other things, as a “center of political thought” and diplomacy.

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