site.btaTransport Minister, Chinese Ambassador Discuss Bilateral Cooperation in Transport, Communication

Caretaker Transport Minister Georgi Gvozdeikov held a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli on Tuesday, the Ministry's press service said. The two sides discussed the cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations between China and Bulgaria in the field of transport and communications.

"Our main priority is this country’s railway transport modernization and a significant financial resource is foreseen for this under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan", Gvozdeikov said. He stressed that Bulgaria can draw experience from the pace at which China is developing in the field of high-speed rail. The Minister highlighted Bulgaria's role as a strategic point in the Black Sea region and the importance of developing maritime transport in this context.

Ambassador Dai Qingli said that during her mandate in Bulgaria she will work on the same priorities in the field of transport. Enhancing cooperation between the two countries on rail freight and multimodal transport is crucial for connectivity between Europe and Asia, the Ambassador added. She informed that in July 2024, a Bulgarian airline received permission from the Chinese authorities to operate 4 cargo flights per week from China to Sofia. The possibility of opening a direct passenger flight between the two countries was also discussed.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China. In this regard, Gvozdeikov said that the two countries have a solid foundation on which to continue developing good cooperation in the field of transport and communications.