Vietnam Communist Party leader To Lam on official visit to Bulgaria

To Lam, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is on an official visit to Bulgaria. He was welcomed at a ceremony in St. Alexander Nevsky Square by President Rumen Radev and his wife, Desislava Radeva, as reported by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). This visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and is part of To Lam’s tour of Europe.

After meeting To Lam, Radev said: "Today we have given new momentum to relations between Vietnam and Bulgaria by adopting a declaration elevating them to a strategic partnership." He added that the declaration represents Bulgaria’s contribution to Vietnam’s ongoing efforts and its pursuit of a strategic partnership with the European Union.

The president also recalled the long-standing friendship, mutual support and respect between the two nations. "The strong foundation of our relations is largely based on the contributions of over 30,000 Vietnamese citizens who received an education, professional training and work opportunities in Bulgaria decades ago. They continue to serve as a durable bridge between our peoples," he said.

Around 1,200 Vietnamese citizens currently live and work in Bulgaria.

During his visit, To Lam urged Bulgaria to make it easier for Vietnamese citizens to obtain visas in order to encourage more of them to visit what he called "the poetic land of roses". He noted that, since 15 August, Bulgarian citizens have been able to travel to Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days for tourism purposes.

"The president and I had a very successful meeting. We identified new areas of cooperation in which both countries have potential and needs," said To Lam. Radev highlighted opportunities for closer ties in security and the defence industry, noting that Vietnamese cadets are currently training at the Georgi Benkovski Air Force Academy in Dolna Mitropolia.

The visit also includes the opening of a business forum in Sofia, focused on exploring trade and investment opportunities between Bulgaria and Vietnam.