site.btaForeign Ministers of Bulgaria, Japan Exchange Congratulations on Occasion of Their Countries's National Holidays

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel and Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa exchanged congratulatory letters on the national holidays of Bulgaria and Japan - March 3 and February 23, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry reported here on Tuesday. 

In the letters, in addition to wishing to strengthen and expand the traditionally friendly relations and partnership between the two countries, Minister Gabriel and Minister Kamikawa extended their congratulations on the occasion of the triple anniversary of the Bulgarian-Japanese relations, which are celebrated this year - 115 years since the beginning of official contacts, 85 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations and 65 years since their restoration.

Prince Kuni Kuniyoshi's visit to Bulgaria began on March 5, 1909. The visit of the high representative of the Japanese Imperial Court and the diplomatic act of May 1909 of the Japanese side for the recognition of the independence of Bulgaria, achieved in 1908, marked the beginning of the official contacts between the two countries.  Today, Bulgaria and Japan are like-minded partners sharing democratic values, working to take their traditional partnership to a new level, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry said. 

Bulgaria and Japan are active members of the international community, making joint efforts to tackle global challenges.

The two countries have also successfully partnered in the Western Balkans region. "All this further strengthens the solid foundation on which the traditionally friendly relations between our countries and peoples have been developing," Gabriel's Ministry further said.