Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and visiting Bulgarian President Rumen Radev hold talks on November 14, 2024, in Hanoi

The two leaders agreed to continue increasing exchanges and visits at all levels, especially at the high level, through all Party, State, Government and National Assembly channels, and people-to-people contacts, thus consolidating mutual understanding and political trust, and laying a foundation for broader cooperation in various fields.

On trade and investment, both affirmed this as a crucial pillar of the bilateral relationship. They agreed to further promote existing cooperation mechanisms, such as the Inter-Governmental Committee for Economic and Scientific-Technological Cooperation.

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

President Cuong applauded 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 EU countries to expedite the approval process. He also asked for Bulgaria's support for the European Commission’s lifting of its "yellow card" against Vietnamese seafood exports.

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

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

They adopted a joint statement on the outcomes of the Bulgarian President’s visit, reaffirming the high-level commitments to enhancing cooperation in the domains of the two countries’ strengths and needs.