Vietnamese Expats in Bulgaria Make Significant Contribution to Bilateral Relations

The event was held in Hanoi on November 24 as a key event on the Bulgarian President's visit to Vietnam, aimed at strengthening the traditional friendship and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations. It was organized by the Vietnam - Bulgaria Friendship Association in collaboration with the Bulgarian Embassy in Vietnam.

In attendance were Bulgarian Ambassador to Vietnam Pavlin Todorov, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son, and representatives from various Bulgarian ministries and sectors.

During the meeting, President Rumen Radev congratulated Vietnam on its socio-economic achievements and expressed his pleasure in meeting Vietnamese friends. He highlighted the strong tradition of educational cooperation between Bulgaria and Vietnam, and the potential for further collaboration in areas such as agriculture, food production, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, the textile industry, and electronics. Bulgarian companies are interested in projects involving irrigation systems, infrastructure investment, and joint ventures with Vietnam. Vietnam's rapid economic growth, among the fastest in the world, owes much to the contributions of Vietnamese individuals who have worked, lived, and studied in Bulgaria. President Radev praised the role of these individuals, particularly members of the Vietnam - Bulgaria Friendship Association, in fostering bilateral relations.

Huynh Quyet Thang, President of the Vietnam - Bulgaria Friendship Association, said around 30,000 Vietnamese individuals have lived, studied, and worked in Bulgaria. Many of them have become outstanding leaders, experts, scientists, and successful entrepreneurs, making significant contributions to Vietnam's development.

"Today, the relationship between Vietnam and Bulgaria continues to grow positively across various fields such as diplomacy, education, trade, and investment. Amid globalization and complex economic and political changes, strengthening the Vietnam - Bulgaria relationship benefits both countries and contributes to regional and global stability and development," emphasized Huynh Quyet Thang.
Bulgaria was among the first countries to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam in February 1950. President Ho Chi Minh's visit to Bulgaria in August 1957 marked a significant milestone in the two countries' diplomatic history. Throughout Vietnam's struggle for independence, Bulgaria consistently stood as a close friend, providing valuable support.

The President of the Vietnam - Bulgaria Friendship Association remarked, "For every Vietnamese person, Bulgarian friends are cherished for their love of humanity, humanitarian spirit, respect for loyalty, and love for peace. The Vietnam - Bulgaria Friendship Association values the history and strong friendship between our peoples and will continue to work towards building and strengthening this close relationship, enhancing solidarity and mutual support for the prosperity of both nations."

Bulgarian Ambassador to Vietnam Pavlin Todorov noted that President Rumen Radev's visit signifies a new chapter in the enduring friendship between the two countries. This meeting highlights Bulgaria's deep affection for the Vietnamese community residing in the country. The Ambassador praised the Vietnam - Bulgaria Friendship Association for its efforts in fostering people-to-people exchanges and promoting Bulgarian culture in Vietnam through events such as Bulgaria's National Day (March 3) and Bulgarian Writing - Culture and Education Day (May 24).

On this occasion, President Rumen Radev awarded the Bulgarian Presidential Medal of Honor to the Vietnam - Bulgaria Friendship Association.