General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Nguyen Phu Trong has suggested that Vietnam and Bulgaria should expand their bilateral ties through various channels, including party, parliament, government and people-to-people exchanges.

At an October 28 meeting with visiting Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev in Hanoi, the Party leader said the two sides should work closer together to realise their reached agreements effectively.

He described Plevneliev’s visit as an important step in the development of the traditional relations and all-around cooperation between the two countries.

The party chief thanked the Bulgarian Government for creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community living in Bulgaria, and voiced his hope that Bulgaria will act as a bridge linking Vietnam and the European Union.

For his part, Plevneliev said he is impressed by the significant achievements Vietnam has gained after nearly 30 years of the renewal cause. He spoke highly of Vietnam’s position in the region and the world.

Briefing his host on the current situation in his country, the Bulgarian President said the sound relationship between the two countries is a firm foundation for both sides to further bolster their multifaceted cooperation in the future.

Plevneliev also underscored that Bulgaria attaches much importance to its ties with Vietnam and will spare no effort to develop them.

He voiced his support of the free trade agreement that Vietnam is pursuing with the EU.

The same day, Plevneliev was also received by National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung, who affirmed that Vietnam will do its utmost to promote the relations with the parliament and people of Bulgaria for further mutual understanding between the two nations as well as highly effective cooperation between the two countries in all realms.

Congratulating the socio-economic achievements Bulgaria has made, Hung said the results have helped raise the country’s position in the world.

He also expressed his delight at the outcomes of the talks between Plevneliev and President Truong Tan Sang, adding he believes that with the potential and political will of both sides, Vietnam and Bulgaria will continue to lift their cooperation to a new height.

Plevneliev said his visit that aims to further consolidate and develop the cooperation between the two countries saw a number of agreements made for stronger cooperation in all aspects.

The Bulgarian leader confirmed that his country attaches much importance to the relations with Vietnam , through which it can expand its relations with other Southeast Asian countries.

He expressed his belief that mutual friendship between the two States and peoples will help Vietnam and Bulgaria reap more fruits in their cooperation.

Also on October 28, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung hosted a reception for the Bulgarian guest, during which he said Vietnamese people always bear in mind the precious and effective help that Bulgaria gave Vietnam during its past struggle for national independence as well as its current national construction.

He underscored Vietnam ’s constant policies of continuing to deepen Vietnam-Bulgaria ties, make it more practical and effective.

Besides strengthening cooperation in economics, trade and investment, the two sides should continue fostering links in potential areas of mutual strengths, including power, high technology, pharmaceuticals, food processing, education and military technology.

He suggested that the two sides create favourable conditions for their businesses to share information, explore each country’s market and strengthen their connectivity.

President Plevneliev proposed that as there is room for both sides to boost cooperation, Vietnam and Bulgaria should further promote activities in economics, trade, investment, education and training, and people-to-people exchange.

Bulgaria is ready to act as a bridge for Vietnam to broaden its cooperation with the EU as well as a gateway for Vietnamese products to enter the European market, he said.-VNA