site.btaVNA: Bulgarian President's Visit to Deepen Ties with Vietnam - Ambassador

As Vietnam and Bulgaria will celebrate the 75th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, the official visit to Vietnam by Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and his spouse from November 24-28 will mark a significant milestone in their enduring friendship and create momentum for the two countries to develop the bilateral ties towards a strategic partnership in the coming time, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to Bulgaria Do Hoang Long, cited by Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

The diplomat told VNA's reporter that the visit will be the first trip to Vietnam by a Bulgarian president in 11 years. This is also the first visit to Vietnam by President Radev who will be the first head of state to be officially welcomed by State President Luong Cuong since the Vietnamese leader took office. This diplomatic activity underscores Vietnam's high regard for Bulgaria as a traditional, trusted and important partner in the Balkan region.

President Radev's visit comes as a testament to the thriving bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two nations. Over the recent past, Vietnam and Bulgaria have held their successful periodic meetings of the intergovernmental committee and brought into full play collaboration between ministries, departments, and local authorities. Besides, they have maintained strong mutual support and coordination at international forums and organizations, he stressed.

The bonds between the two countries officially began in 1950, when Bulgaria was one of the first ten nations worldwide to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

During Vietnam's most challenging periods of struggle for national independence and construction, Bulgaria proved to be an unwavering supporter, providing both material and moral assistance for the country. It helped shape Vietnam's future leadership by training over 3,600 scientific personnel and experts, along with more than 30,000 skilled workers in diverse sectors, including construction, architecture, IT, biochemistry, agriculture, mechanical engineering, and medicine. Many graduates then became Vietnam's high-ranking officials, leading scientists, experts, and top engineers, who have made contributions to strengthening the traditional friendship with Bulgaria.

According to Long, despite the temporary setback caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the bilateral relations have bounced back with remarkable momentum, fuelled by meetings between high-level leaders, ministries, sectors and localities of both sides. Bulgarian leaders have consistently expressed their deep appreciation for the historical partnership and admiration for Vietnam's socio-economic achievements and international integration.

Notably, they said Bulgaria stands ready to serve as a bridge to strengthen Vietnam's cooperation with both the European Union and the Balkan region.

As the two countries have reaped various achievements in their cooperation in politics, economy, education, science, technology, culture, tourism, defence, labour and legislation, President Radev's trip will further contribute to bolstering and deepening the traditional friendship and multi-faceted collaboration between the two countries, particularly in the domains of their strengths and needs, the diplomat stated.

(This story is distributed by agreement between BTA and VNA.)