Vietnam is one of Bulgaria ’s important partners in Southeast Asia, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin has affirmed.

At a reception for Vietnamese Ambassador to Bulgaria Le Duc Huu in Sofia on August 13, the minister said the two countries need to take advantage of their available opportunities to continue developing and reinforcing bilateral relations in the fields of politics, economics, trade and investment.

He stressed that Bulgaria is able to play a positive role in the partnership between the European Union (EU) and Asian countries, as well as bridge Vietnam and the EU.

For his part, the Vietnamese ambassador stated that the relationship between Vietnam and Bulgaria is established on the ground of sincerity and mutual trust, adding that both sides should continue efforts to further intensify their bilateral ties as well as cooperation at regional and international forums.

The two sides reached consensus on the need to carry out a new model on economic cooperation, focusing on trade and investment encouragement. They also discussed the expansion of cooperation in culture and education.

The Vietnamese diplomat underscored that the better dissemination of information on both countries will help increase mutual understanding and promote bilateral ties.-VNA