Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese Ambassador toBulgaria Nguyen Thi Hong Oanh has voiced expectations for stronger ties withBulgaria ahead of an official visit to the European nation by Deputy PrimeMinister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh.

Ambassador Oanh said the trip from July 3 to 5,made at the invitation of Bulgarian Deputy PM and Foreign Minister EkaterinaZaharieva, is the first official visit by a Vietnamese diplomatic leader toBulgaria since political changes in the country in 1989.

The visit comes at a time of cooperationdeveloping in all spheres. Notably, since 2013, leaders of the countries haveaffirmed that they will promote bilateral relations towards a strategicpartnership.

She said the visit is a chance for the two sidesto strengthen traditional connections, discuss ways to bring bilateral ties toa new level and share views on issues of common concern. 

It aims to not only realise Vietnam’s foreignpolicy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversificationof foreign relations, and being a friend and trustworthy partner in theinternational community, but also show that Vietnam attaches importance tocountries it has traditional relations with.

Oanh noted that Bulgaria was one of the first 10countries to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam, on February 8, 1950. Shedescribed the 1970s and 1980s as the “golden” period in bilateral links whenthousands of Vietnamese officials and experts received training in Bulgaria.

Over the years, the two sides have maintainedmutual visits at all levels, especially high-ranking delegations, organisedconsultations on issues of common concern and cooperated at international andregional forums, particularly within the framework of the United Nations,ASEAN-EU cooperation and the Asia-Europe Meeting.

Bulgaria considers Vietnam one of its mostimportant partners in Southeast Asia, and Vietnam can help the EU nationenhance connections with ASEAN countries. Meanwhile, Bulgaria can also assistVietnam in tightening links with EU countries. Its leaders have often affirmedthat they support the signing and ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free TradeAgreement (EVFTA).

The diplomat highlighted progress in bilateraleconomic-trade partnerships, especially in recent years, but they remain modestcompared to the two sides’ potential.

She also noted expanding people-to-peopleexchange, adding that Vietnamese who used to study and work in Bulgaria andabout 1,000 expatriates in the country at present are a bridge linking the twonations.

Regarding the prospect of bilateral relations,Ambassador Oanh expressed her belief in their huge potential in all fieldsbecause since the political changes in Bulgaria in 1989, all parties inparliament have voiced support for the countries’ traditional cooperation andconsidered Vietnam a leading Southeast Asian partner. Leaders of Vietnam andBulgaria have also affirmed the wish to develop bilateral ties.

The role of Bulgaria in the EU has risenconsiderably after holding the rotational Presidency of the Council of the EUin the first half of 2018. Although it is a small economy with a population ofabout 7.5 million, Bulgaria has a strategic location and can serve as a gatewayfor Vietnamese goods to enter Europe, she added.

She voiced her belief that with the enormouspotential and efforts of both sides, their friendship and connections will keepflourishing to meet the two peoples’ demand and interests.-VNA