President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rumen Radev delivers his speech during a meeting with members of the Việt Nam-Bulgaria Friendship Association on Sunday evening in Hà Nội.—VNS Photo Nguyễn Hằng

HÀ NỘI — President Rumen Radev of the Republic of Bulgaria expressed his heartfelt wish for Vietnamese friends who had lived, studied, and worked in Bulgaria to always cherish the country as their second home. He encouraged them to hold onto fond memories of their time there.

The President made this statement during a meeting on Sunday evening in Hà Nội with members of the Việt Nam-Bulgaria Friendship Association under the Việt Nam Union of Friendship Organisations, as well as Vietnamese alumni and former workers in Bulgaria. The meeting was part of his official visit to Việt Nam.

Jointly organised by the Việt Nam-Bulgaria Friendship Association and the Bulgarian Embassy in Việt Nam, the event underscored the longstanding friendship between the two nations. President Radev emphasised that his visit held special significance as Việt Nam and Bulgaria approach the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties (1950–2025).

Highlighting the growing cooperation between the two countries, the President pointed to significant potential in areas such as trade, investment, energy, technology, construction services, IT, tourism, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. He noted that the accompanying Bulgarian delegation, including three ministers, two mayors, and representatives from leading companies, reflected this promise.

Educational collaboration also featured prominently in his remarks. President Radev expressed pride in the strong educational ties between Bulgaria and Việt Nam and welcomed the upcoming signing of an educational cooperation agreement, which aims to further develop this traditional area of partnership.

The President extended his gratitude to the Việt Nam-Bulgaria Friendship Association for its warm reception and its pivotal role in fostering bilateral relations. He noted that the association had been instrumental in strengthening the ties between the two nations.

Strengthening bonds through shared history and future cooperation

Huỳnh Quyết Thắng, President of the Việt Nam-Bulgaria Friendship Association, echoed the sentiment, celebrating the association's role as a hub for Vietnamese people who had lived, studied, or worked in Bulgaria. He praised their enduring affection for Bulgaria and its people.

Thắng highlighted the association’s efforts to organise significant cultural and diplomatic initiatives, which have been highly appreciated by the Việt Nam Union of Friendship Organisations and the Bulgarian Embassy. With strong connections to both the Bulgarian Embassy in Hà Nội and the Vietnamese Embassy in Sofia, the association continues to promote solidarity and mutual support between the two nations.

Participants at the meeting.—VNS Photo Nguyễn Hằng

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Vietnamese alumni community in Bulgaria, noting their success in diverse fields and their role in fostering traditional friendly cooperation between the two countries.

Thắng expressed confidence in the continued growth of Việt Nam-Bulgaria relations, particularly in the context of globalisation and evolving political and economic landscapes. He underscored the importance of enhancing these ties to benefit both nations and contribute to regional stability and development.

According to estimates, around 30,000 Vietnamese have lived, studied, or worked in Bulgaria. Their experiences and knowledge gained abroad have significantly contributed to Việt Nam's progress, with many alumni becoming distinguished officials, experts, scientists, and entrepreneurs.

Bulgaria's commitment to enduring friendship

Ambassador Pavlin Todorov of Bulgaria described President Radev’s visit as a new chapter in the enduring Việt Nam-Bulgaria friendship. He praised the Việt Nam-Bulgaria Friendship Association for acting as ambassadors of goodwill and inspiring future generations to uphold the warm relationship between the two nations.

Economic cooperation has also seen significant progress. As of March 2024, Bulgaria had 14 active direct investment projects in Việt Nam, with a total registered capital of US$31.32 million, ranking 69th among 145 countries and territories investing in Việt Nam. Bilateral trade has shown steady growth, reflecting the sustainability of the partnership.

The event concluded on a hopeful note, with both nations reaffirming their shared commitment to fostering a peaceful, prosperous, and mutually supportive global community. — VNS