SOFIA, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Books published in China, including  translations and studies related to Bulgaria, were presented in Sofia on  Thursday.

Co-organized by the Confucius Institute in Sofia,  the China and Central and Eastern European Countries (China-CEEC)  Publishing Association and the Foreign Language Teaching and Research  Press (FLTRP), the event showcased the achievements of Chinese book  publishing on Bulgarian topics.

A total of 220 books were  presented, covering Bulgarian literature, culture, art, folklore,  history, and many other disciplines. Nearly half of them were Chinese  translations of Bulgarian literary masterpieces, including "The Physics  of Sorrow" by Bulgarian writer Georgi Gospodinov, winner of the 2023  International Booker Prize.

Gospodinov, attending the event,  expressed his appreciation for the Chinese edition of his novel, calling  it a "translation of context" and one of the most beautiful versions of  the book worldwide. Translator Chen Ying shared her delight at the  novel's positive reception among Chinese readers.

Chinese  Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli described the books as "windows"  revealing Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage and fostering mutual  understanding between the two nations. She emphasized the significance  of literature as a bridge for cultural dialogue and cooperation.