Vietnamese, Bulgarian presidents discuss ways to strengthen bilateral ties

(VOVWORLD) – Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev held talks in Hanoi on Monday. They discussed in depth the main directions and specific measures aimed at strengthening cooperation and elevating relations.

The two leaders agreed to continue to increase exchanges and visits at all levels, especially at the highest level, through all channels of the Party, State, Government and National Assembly, as well as people-to-people contacts, thereby consolidating mutual understanding and political trust, and establishing a basis for broader cooperation in various fields.

On trade and investment, both sides affirmed that it is a crucial pillar of the bilateral relationship. They agreed to further promote existing cooperation mechanisms, such as the Intergovernmental Committee for Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation.

They pledged to encourage ministries, sectors, localities and enterprises to effectively implement the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and strengthen investment cooperation in areas where Bulgaria has strengths, such as information technology and supporting industries.

President Cuong congratulated Bulgaria for being one of the first EU member states to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and urged Bulgaria to encourage other countries of the EU to speed up the approval process. He also requested Bulgaria’s support for the European Commission’s lifting of the “yellow card” against Vietnamese seafood exports.

Bulgarian President Radev said that with its achievements in economic development and higher political position, Vietnam is an important factor in the Southeast Asian region. He affirmed that Bulgaria regards Vietnam as an important partner in Southeast Asia and wishes to promote cooperation with Vietnam in all fields. He said that Bulgaria, thanks to its important geographical location, is ready to serve as a bridge for Vietnam to access the EU market.

After the talks, the two presidents witnessed the exchange of several cooperation documents in the fields of education, economy-commerce and local cooperation.

They adopted a joint declaration on the results of the Bulgarian President’s visit, reaffirming high-level commitments to strengthening cooperation in the areas of strengths and needs of the two countries.