site.btaDeputy PM Zafirov Meets with Chinese Ambassador

Deputy Prime Minister and Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) leader Atanas Zafirov and Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli discussed the development of bilateral relations at a meeting in Sofia, the BSP press office said on Wednesday.

The Ambassador congratulated Zafirov on his election as BSP Chairperson and underscored the longstanding tradition of good relations between the BSP and the Chinese Communist Party. The diplomat invited Zafirov to visit China to help deepen bilateral relations and the two countries' strategic partnership.

The two discussed an expansion of economic ties between Bulgaria and China, the implementation of infrastructure projects and joint investments, and the promotion of partnership in the field of culture.

Ambassador Dai expressed satisfaction with the formation of the new Bulgarian government and stressed the importance of the incipient political stability in this country after years of volatility. She expects it to create favourable conditions to expand bilateral relations and carry out new initiatives of shared interest.

Zafirov reaffirmed the Bulgarian government's commitment to strengthening the partnership with China and pointed out the key role of economic, investment and cultural cooperation.

The sides discussed the possibility to establish a direct air service between Bulgaria and China to facilitate two-way business, tourist and student travel and to promote trade and cultural relations.