Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính (R) and the new Bulgarian Ambassador to Vietnam, Pavlin Todorov, at their meeting in Hanoi on April 11. - VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI – Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính received the new Bulgarian Ambassador to Vietnam, Pavlin Todorov, in Hà Nội on April 11, affirming Việt Nam’s appreciation of and wishes to enhance the two nations’ traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation.

The Government leader suggested that Bulgaria call on the remaining EU member states to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and advocate the removal of the European Commission's "yellow card" warning imposed on Vietnam regarding illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.

Lauding the deepening bilateral political ties, marked by high-level exchanges across party, state, and people-to-people channels, Chinh underscored the upcoming 75th anniversary of the nations’ diplomatic relations in 2025 and proposed the sides closely coordinate commemorating activities.

Expressing his delight at the countries’ effective coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums as well as the steady growth in bilateral trade, particularly since the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) came into effect, he acknowledged that their current scale of trade and investment remains modest compared to potential.

Looking forwards to stronger cooperation, particularly in areas of mutual strength such as green, digital, and circular economies, and agriculture, he affirmed the Vietnamese government's commitment to creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese and Bulgarian businesses to connect and collaborate.

Furthermore, the PM expressed a wish for joint work in traditional and strategic sectors such as education and training, defence, security, culture, and tourism. He proposed Bulgaria further support the Vietnamese expatriate community so that they can better integrate and serve as a link in enriching the friendship between the two nations.

On this occasion, he conveyed greetings and an invitation to visit Việt Nam from Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng to the President of Bulgaria.

In response, Todorov said he is committed to further promoting friendship and cooperation between Bulgaria and Việt Nam, focusing on enhancing exchanges at all levels to build political trust and develop trade and investment ties.

The diplomat praised the excellent state of bilateral relations and expressed high regard for the Vietnamese community in Bulgaria. He affirmed the European nation’s recognition of Việt Nam's significant role and position in the region as well as its readiness to support Việt Nam in its relations with the EU. - VNS