According to the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), Vietnam and Bulgaria signed a joint declaration on establishing a Strategic Partnership, marking decades of shared efforts to strengthen cooperation.

BTA quoted Bulgarian President Rumen Radev affirming that this declaration represents a new stage of development in the traditional friendship between the two countries. He also highlighted Bulgaria’s role as an innovation hub in Southeast Europe and called for deeper collaboration in technology, defence, and education.

Meanwhile, General Secretary To Lam emphasised that, building on the positive momentum and substantial achievements of the past 75 years, both sides have agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, marking a historic milestone and laying the foundation for stronger cooperation for the benefit of both peoples, as well as for peace, stability, and development in the region and beyond.

The two leaders also agreed to enhance political trust through high-level exchanges across Party, State, parliamentary, and people-to-people channels; to reinforce existing cooperation mechanisms; and to establish new frameworks to deepen collaboration in specific sectors.

The Sofia News Agency (novinite.com) noted that along with the upgrade of their partnership, Vietnam and Bulgaria agreed to enhance political trust, strengthen collaboration in defence and security, education, and academic exchange, and develop economic, trade, and investment cooperation as a cornerstone of the partnership. They also committed to boosting free trade with the aim of doubling bilateral trade in the coming years.

Two-way trade between the two countries rose by 15% in the first half of 2025, reaching nearly US$145 million, while total trade in 2024 increased by 33.5% year on year.
Both sides stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in trade, investment, transportation, and connectivity, including discussions on establishing direct flights between Hanoi and Sofia.

General Secretary To Lam also noted that, since August 2025, Bulgarian citizens have been granted visa-free entry to Vietnam for up to 45 days. He encouraged Bulgaria to simplify visa procedures for Vietnamese travelers.

Bulgaria is expected to serve as Vietnam’s gateway to the EU market, while Vietnam will act as Bulgaria’s bridge to the ASEAN region.

Party General Secretary To Lam began a three-day official visit on October 22 to Bulgaria at the invitation of President Rumen Radev.

Vietnam, Bulgaria advances relations to Strategic Partnership

VOV.VN - Vietnam and Bulgaria have officially elevated their relations to a Strategic Partnership, marking a new phase of cooperation between the two nations.