In a solemn and emotional atmosphere, General Secretary To Lam and Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov jointly cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Statue of President Ho Chi Minh – the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people, a national liberation hero, and a world cultural icon.

In his remarks, General Secretary To Lam thanked the State and people of Bulgaria for their longstanding friendship and support for Vietnam over the past 75 years. He emphasised that his official visit to Bulgaria is of special significance, as it takes place at a time when the two countries are commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations and have agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership.

“The upgrade of our relationship to a Strategic Partnership holds profound importance, setting directions for cooperation and joint development between the two nations, for the benefit of our peoples, and contributing to peace and global progress,” the General Secretary stated.

He stressed that the new Vietnam–Bulgaria Strategic Partnership will focus on key areas including stronger political ties through regular high-level exchanges, and deeper economic cooperation, particularly within the framework of Vietnam–EU trade agreements.

Cultural, educational, and scientific collaboration will be expanded, with Bulgarian universities continuing to offer scholarships and exchanges for Vietnamese students. The Vietnamese community in Bulgaria will serve as a bridge of friendship, supported by Vietnam’s visa waiver for Bulgarian citizens and efforts to enhance transport connectivity.

The partnership will also strengthen defence and security cooperation based on mutual trust, while promoting closer coordination at regional and international forums such as ASEAN, the EU, and the United Nations.

General Secretary To Lam also shared with Bulgarian friends and overseas Vietnamese at the ceremony about Vietnam’s socio-economic development and new policies concerning nationality, property rights, and mobility for overseas citizens. He expressed hope that the Vietnamese community abroad would remain united, support each other, and always maintain their attachment to the homeland.

The General Secretary reminded embassy staff that the Embassy should not only serve as the official representative of the Vietnamese State, but also as a common home for the Vietnamese community, a trusted address where compatriots can place their confidence and affection for the homeland.

On this occasion, General Secretary To Lam presented the Vietnamese Embassy with a bronze drum painting and gifted members of the Vietnamese community traditional souvenirs and sets of Vietnamese-language books for children and community language classes.

Vietnam and Bulgaria have more room to bolster cooperation

VOV.VN - Vietnam and Bulgaria have significant potential for cooperation in other areas beyond traditional ones, such as digital transformation, digital economy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and e-government.