Party, State and National Assembly leaders hosted separate receptions for visiting Bulgarian Prime Minister Plamen Vasilev Oresharski in Hanoi on April 7.

Welcoming the official visit to Vietnam by PM Oresharski, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong described it as a milestone in developing traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

He said while implementing its external policy of multilateralisation and diversification, Vietnam always places importance on its traditional friends, including Bulgaria.

For his part, PM Oresharski affirmed to spare no effort to accelerate the implementation of agreements reached during his visit, creating a substantial change in bilateral ties, especially in economic cooperation, trade and investment.

Speaking to the Bulgarian guest, President Truong Tan Sang stressed that the Vietnam visit will contribute to bolstering the bilateral relationship.

Vietnam is willing to act as a bridge for Bulgaria to step up cooperation with ASEAN countries, the President said.

He said he believes that a free trade agreement with Europe, which is expected to conclude late this year, would open up opportunities for both countries’ economic and trade partnership.

The President suggested both sides continue improving procedures, making it easier for businesses and investors to seek partners and do business.

He thanked Bulgaria for its support to Vietnam and ASEAN countries in solving the East Sea issue by peaceful talks.

For his part, PM Oresharski affirmed that Bulgaria will do its best to unceasingly develop the relationship with Vietnam.

Bulgaria is willing to be a bridge for Vietnam to boost affiliation with European countries while intensifying partnerships between businesses from both sides, he said.

At a meeting with NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung, the Bulgarian PM described the two countries’ fine traditional relations as a basis for boosting links and development.

He emphasised that his country considers Vietnam a fraternal friend and strategic partner, and affirmed to serve as a bridge for the ties between Vietnam and the European Union.

The guest informed the host of the results of his talks with PM Nguyen Tan Dung earlier in the day, saying he wishes both countries’ administrative agencies continue assisting firms in cooperation and investment.

Chairman Hung said he believes that the results of the talks would facilitate bilateral and regional connection as well as raise each country’s position.

The NA strongly supports both governments in cooperation and does more to push the ties to a new height.

Hung took this opportunity to ask the PM to pass on his invitation to leaders of the Bulgarian parliament to attend the 132nd Inter-Parliamentary Union to be held in Vietnam early next year.-VNA