Hanoi, November 25, 2024 – The Europe Today: Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and his wife arrived at Nội Bài International Airport yesterday noon, commencing an official visit to Vietnam that will run until November 28, at the invitation of State President Lương Cường.
The visit, as highlighted by Bulgarian Ambassador to Vietnam Pavlin Todorov, underscores Bulgaria’s commitment to bolstering the traditional friendship and advancing cooperative ties with Vietnam as the two nations approach the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025.
Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency, Ambassador Todorov remarked that the visit represents a pivotal moment for both countries to reaffirm their enduring friendship and forge a new trajectory for collaboration in various fields.
During his stay, President Radev is scheduled to hold high-level meetings with Vietnam’s top leaders, including President Lương Cường, Party General Secretary Tô Lâm, National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn, and Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính. His itinerary also includes a speech at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, participation in a business forum, engagement with the Vietnam – Bulgaria Friendship Association, and visits to Hải Phòng City and other localities.
A number of bilateral agreements are expected to be signed during the visit, including a joint declaration and cooperation deals in education, investment, and trade. These agreements are anticipated to significantly enhance bilateral collaboration across key sectors.
Ambassador Todorov emphasized the visit’s focus on fostering new areas of cooperation with concrete outcomes, particularly in the economic domain. He expressed optimism that the visit will solidify Bulgaria’s position as a reliable partner and an appealing destination for business, tourism, and education.
Reflecting on recent progress, Todorov highlighted the resumption of high-level political dialogue and notable achievements such as the 24th session of the Vietnam-Bulgaria Intergovernmental Committee held in Sofia earlier this year. He also pointed to increasing parliamentary exchanges and the growth of bilateral trade, which more than doubled between 2015 and 2023, reaching a projected $300 million this year.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Bulgaria Đỗ Hoàng Long reiterated the longstanding efforts by both countries to strengthen ties through regular high-level exchanges and robust cooperation in various fields, including politics, economics, culture, and defence. He described President Radev’s visit as a significant step toward deepening the traditional friendship and multifaceted collaboration between Vietnam and Bulgaria.
The visit is expected to not only celebrate the historical partnership between the two nations but also lay the groundwork for future cooperation in areas of mutual benefit.
