site.btaParliament Speakers of Bulgaria, South Korea Discuss Upgrading Bilateral Relations

Bulgarian National Assembly Chairman Rosen Zhelyazkov and South Korea National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo - discussed upgrading the relations between Bulgaria and the Republic of Korea to a higher level during plenary talks. 

The Korean National Assembly Speaker is on an official visit to Bulgaria, which started with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in the capital and a one-on-one talk with his host.

"We must work together to tackle all global challenges because we share the same values as parliamentary democracies and countries with developed market economies," Zhelyazkov said.

"Bulgaria considers Korea a valuable friend and a priority partner, and this visit is extremely important for us because it is the beginning of promoting high-level political dialogue," the Bulgarian Parliament Speaker noted. He added that the desire is to upgrade the relations to the level of strategic partnership.

He said that the visit of the Speaker of the South Korean National Assembly to Bulgaria is an important step for intensifying the bilateral dialogue. Last year, the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Korea visited Bulgaria and this suggested the current meeting as an upward trend, Zhelyazkov recalled.

He said that Bulgaria would like to attract more Korean investments in key economic sectors, such as high-tech, energy, environment, production of components for the automotive industry, as well as to expand Bulgarian exports in terms of scope and volume. In his words, Bulgaria has excellent opportunities and conditions for investment in technology and industrial parks. Finding such opportunities will be the subject of the work of a joint Bulgarian-Korean commission for economic cooperation.

Also, Bulgaria appreciates the fruitful cooperation within international organizations, Zhelyazkov added.
"We highly appreciate Korea's support for Bulgaria's bid to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. Bulgaria is relying on it for the whole accession process, which is very important for our economic boost," Zhelyazkov said. 

He also focused on the active academic and cultural exchange, expressing satisfaction with the renewed agreement on cooperation in the field of education and culture in 2022. 

There is an increased interest in the Korean language and culture in Bulgaria, especially among the young generation, Zhelyazkov said. He added that Bulgarians are extremely happy that Korea is the first Asian country to offer a full course of Bulgarian studies at a higher education institution. Therefore, upgrading bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership will be extremely beneficial for the development of economic and human relations, including the development of tourism, Zhelyazkov said.

For his part Kim Jin-expressed hope that Monday's meeting will contribute to active exchanges and raise the level of bilateral relations. He also believes that economic cooperation between the two countries should be expanded, seeing potential in the environment, energy, high-tech sectors. South Korea National Assembly Speaker also noted that investments of Korean companies in Bulgaria are becoming more diversified, including the production of solar energy, automotive parts, transport infrastructure.

Later, Kim Jin-pyo is scheduled to meet with President Rumen Radev.