Vietnam and Bulgaria looking to take relations to new heights

The two sides noted with satisfaction the positive developments of the Vietnam – Bulgaria relationship in recent times through reciprocal visit exchanges and effective implementation of cooperation mechanisms.

Vietnam always values and wishes to strengthen cooperation with Bulgaria, a priority partner of Vietnam in the Central and Eastern European region, said Cuong.

He thanked Bulgaria for its invaluable support and assistance given to Vietnam during the latter’s national liberation struggle in the past, as well as in the current efforts toward national construction and development.

Radev for his part expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s remarkable achievements recorded in its Doi Moi (Renovation) process and international integration. He highlighted Vietnam’s economic progress and rising political stature, while recognizing the country as a significant factor in the Southeast Asian region.

Bulgaria regards Vietnam as an important partner in Southeast Asia and wishes to strengthen cooperation with the country across all fields, said Radev.

To enhance bilateral relations, both sides agreed to continue strengthening exchanges and delegation visits at all levels, especially high-level ones, across all channels, in order to further consolidate political trust and mutual understanding, providing a foundation for expanding bilateral cooperation in all areas.

The two leaders affirmed trade and investment cooperation as a crucial pillar of the bilateral relationship. They agreed to maximize the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms such as the Intergovernmental Committee on Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation.

Both sides encouraged ministries, sectors, localities, and businesses from both countries to continue effectively implementing the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). They also agreed to boost investment cooperation in Bulgaria’s strong sectors, such as information technology and supporting industries.

Cuong expressed gratitude to Bulgaria, one of the first EU member states to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). He urged Bulgaria to advocate for the remaining EU countries to promptly ratify the EVIPA and to support the European Commission (EC) in lifting the ‘yellow card’ warning on Vietnam’s seafood exports.

Radev affirmed that Bulgaria, with its strategic geographical location, is ready to serve as a gateway for Vietnam to access the EU market.

Agreeing with Cuong’s proposals, Radev emphasized the need to enhance effective cooperation in traditional areas such as defense - security, education - training, science - technology, agriculture, culture, sports, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. He also highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation into new fields, including digital transformation, information technology, mineral processing, and environmental protection.

Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and people-to-people exchanges to foster mutual understanding and ties between Vietnam and Bulgaria. They committed to facilitating visa issuance for each other’s citizens and to vigorously fostering cooperation between localities through trade, investment, and tourism promotion activities.

On this occasion, Cuong expected that Bulgarian authorities would further support the Vietnamese community in their country to help them integrate deeply into local society and contribute positively to local development as well as the traditional friendship between the two countries.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to closely coordinating and supporting each other at multilateral forums, particularly at the United Nations and within the ASEAN-EU framework, to address global challenges collectively.

Discussing regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the East Sea, both sides agreed that disputes and conflicts worldwide should be resolved peacefully, based on the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in all regions, contributing to global cooperation and prosperity.

During the talks, Radev extended an invitation to Cuong to visit Bulgaria soon, and the invitation was accepted with pleasure.

After their talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of several cooperation documents in the fields of education, economic-trade relations, and local partnerships.

The two sides also adopted a Joint Statement summarizing the outcomes of Radev’s visit, reaffirming the high-level commitments of both countries to enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual strength and need, for the benefit of their peoples, and for peace, stability, and sustainable development in their regions and globally.