On the afternoon of November 24, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and his wife arrived in Hanoi, beginning an official visit to Vietnam from November 24-28, 2024 at the invitation of Politburo member and President Luong Cuong.
Speaking to the press, Vietnamese Ambassador to Bulgaria Do Hoang Long said that President Rumen Radev's official visit to Vietnam took place at a time when the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries in recent times, especially in 2024, has seen many important developments.
Firstly, this is the first visit in 11 years by the President of Bulgaria and also the first visit to Vietnam by Mr. Rumen Radev as President.
Second, this is the third high-level delegation exchange in the past two years, following two visits by the two National Assembly Chairmen (September 2023 and January 2024).
Third, for Vietnam, President Rumen Radev was honored to be the first head of state to be officially received by President Luong Cuong in Vietnam since taking office; thereby demonstrating the respect, affection and good feelings that the Vietnamese state and people always have for Bulgaria as a traditional, trustworthy, loyal friend and one of Vietnam's important partners in the Balkan region.
Fourth, the visit is the result of the good cooperative relationship between the two countries on both bilateral and multilateral levels. In recent times, the two countries have successfully organized the regular meeting mechanism of the Vietnam - Bulgaria Intergovernmental Committee (May 2024); effectively and substantially implemented many areas of cooperation between ministries, departments, branches and localities; actively coordinated in terms of viewpoints and positions and supported each other at international forums and organizations.
Fifth, the visit took place at a very meaningful time, right before Vietnam and Bulgaria prepare to enter 2025 - the year of celebrating the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations; creating great momentum for the two countries to continue their efforts to develop the relationship towards new heights.
Ambassador Do Hoang Long emphasized that Bulgarian leaders attach importance to the traditional historical relationship and expressed admiration for Vietnam's achievements in socio-economic development and international integration, and are ready to act as a bridge to promote extensive cooperation between Vietnam and the European Union (EU) and the Balkan region.
Notably, Vietnam - Bulgaria trade turnover doubled from 102.5 million USD to 211.5 million USD in the 2015-2023 period and is forecast to reach approximately 300 million USD in 2024 (an increase of more than 20% compared to 2023).
Cooperation between the two countries has been implemented synchronously in recent times, achieving many positive results in all fields. The Bulgarian business delegation accompanying President Rumen Radev to visit Vietnam this time includes dozens of enterprises in the fields of information technology and high technology. This is a very good foundation for Vietnam and Bulgaria to continue to strengthen cooperation and exchange experiences in fields where Bulgaria has strengths and Vietnam has needs and vice versa.
