The US Ambassador to Bulgaria Her Excellency Herro Mustafa had an official visit to the town of Vidin on Fenruary 18 (Tuesday), 2020. She visited the mosque “Osman Pazvantoglu” in the town where she was welcomed by the Regional Mufti of Montana Nedzhati Ali. This was the first official visit of Her Excellency Herro Mustafa to the town of Vidin and according to the old Bulgarian tradition she was welcomed with bread and salt.

The held meeting was also attended by the Mayor of the Municipality of Vidin Dr. Tsvetan Tsenkov, the Metropolitan of Vidin Daniil, Archimandrite Antim and officials from Regional Mufti’s Office – Montana.

The visit of the US diplomat to the mosque in Vidin “Osman Pazvantoglu” was related to an ongoing project for strengthening and preservation of the historical buildings in the complex of the mosque in Vidin. Herro Mustafa took a detailed look at the interior оf the mosque and expressed her admiration for the carving which adorns the historical Muslim temple. She also viewed the exterior of the complex which includes the mosque and the library.

“The US Ambassador Her Excellency Herro Mustafa was impressed with the craftsmanship of all wooden elements in the interior of the mosque, the of the tulip craft and congratulated us on the maintenance of the entire appearance of the buildings in the complex.” – commented after the held meeting from the management of Regional Mufti’s Office – Montana, the headquarters of which is exactly in the mosque “Osman Pazvantoglu” in Vidin.

During the visit of the high-ranking guest from the US Embassy in Bulgaria, the Regional Mufti of Monatana Nedzhati Ali presented to her detailed information about the history of the Muslim temple. The host expressed his deepest gratitude to the US Ambassador for the provided assistance with regard of the implementation of the project for the preservation and strengthening of the mosque “Osman Pazvantoglu” and the adjacent library.

At the invitation of the host Nedzhati Ali after the visit to the mosque there was an official lunch for the guests in the library of the complex.

As a sign of respect the two parties exchanged gifts.

During her stay in Vidin Her Excellency Herro Mustafa, accompanied by the host Nedzhati Ali, visited also other important sites in the town – the Metropolitan Church of Vidin, “Baba Vida” Fortress and the center of town of Vidin.

Before leaving Mustafa thanked the host Nedzhati Ali for the warm and hearty welcome and the two parties exchanged mutual wished for new meetings.