Opening the conference, Sofia University’s Vice Rector Professor Reneta Bozhankova expressed her delight at the strong participation of Vietnam studies scholars from many countries, covering topics ranging from history, language, literature and arts to economics and international relations.

She said the conference provides an opportunity for Sofia University to deepen cooperation with Vietnam studies institutions in Vietnam and around the world.

Director General for Bilateral Relations at the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Todor Stoyanov voiced his pleasure at the meaningful activities held to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Bulgaria and Vietnam, affirming that the conference played an important role in academic exchange and research collaboration, thereby strengthening mutual understanding.

On this occasion, he reviewed and presented awards of the writing competition on 75 years of Bulgaria–Vietnam relations, jointly launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Sofia University.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Bulgaria Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet described the conference as a major academic activity demonstrating the strong interest and affection of Bulgarian and international researchers toward Vietnam.

She stressed that the event offers a comprehensive view of Vietnam - a country that both preserves its identity and actively embraces renewal, innovation and integration.

The ambassador also recalled the keynote speech delivered by Party General Secretary To Lam at Sofia University during his official visit to Bulgaria, in which he outlined the strategic vision for the Vietnam–Bulgaria partnership in the new era - shared development, mutual support and steadfast commitment to peace, independence, self-reliance and prosperity.

As part of the opening ceremony, delegates visited an exhibition of paintings by the late artist Docho Dochev, the first Bulgarian graduate of the Lacquer Painting Faculty at the Vietnam University of Fine Arts.

During the three-day conference, researchers took part in 16 panel discussions that covered key topics on Vietnam, including language, culture, history, archaeology, literature, arts, anthropology, Vietnam–Bulgaria relations, heritage management, tourism, religion, political science, the digital economy and green transition.

The presentations contributed not only to a clearer positioning of Vietnam’s identity within the international research space but also created a platform for in-depth academic exchange on sustainable development, green economic models and Vietnam’s diplomatic tradition and philosophy in a changing global environment.

Scholars shared many new perspectives, reflecting growing international interest in Vietnam studies. A number of studies highlighted similarities and areas of convergence in the historical and cultural development of Vietnam and Bulgaria, affirming that the two countries have strong foundations to further expand exchanges and build new “bridges” of cooperation based on mutual trust and benefit.

Hanoi’s Vietnam-Bulgaria Friendship Association established

A congress was held in Hanoi on December 27 to launch the establishment of the Hanoi chapter of the Vietnam – Bulgaria Friendship Association (VBFA) for the 2020-2025 tenure.