Bulgaria keen to enhance bilateral ties

As Bulgaria and China celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations on Friday, Andrey Tehov, the Bulgarian ambassador to China, expressed his nation's keen interest in fostering deeper and more pragmatic ties with China in areas ranging from trade and investment to people-to-people exchanges.

"Bulgaria was the second country to recognize the People's Republic of China, just three days after its founding," Tehov said in an exclusive interview with China Daily.

He noted that bilateral relations have been traditionally friendly, based on mutual respect and goodwill, and Bulgaria considers China a priority partner in Asia. "Bulgaria aims to continue developing bilateral relations in a balanced manner and in the interest of the prosperity of our peoples," he said.

Resuming high-level bilateral visits will be a key task during his term moving forward to strengthen political, economic and cultural ties.

"It is my understanding that this is also the wish of the Chinese side," he said.

The last visit by a Bulgarian president was in 2019 when Rumen Radev paid a state visit to Beijing and the two sides decided to elevate their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.

Tehov, who arrived in China at the end of last year, also highlighted China's role in Bulgaria's trade as its second most important export partner outside the European Union.

He said that bilateral trade between China and Bulgaria reached $3.98 billion in 2023 and that he hoped that it would steadily increase in the coming years.

The envoy said Bulgaria aims to expand exports to China, particularly of goods with excellent global credentials, such as agricultural products, essential oils and cosmetics.

"We see untapped potential for deepening economic cooperation beyond traditional trade, in sectors such as the food industry, high technology, healthcare and also tourism," he said.

At the end of 2022, China's cumulative direct investment in Bulgaria stood at $142 million. The ambassador said the Eastern European country is seeking to attract more Chinese investment.

"We offer excellent conditions for Chinese investors and are also implementing specific measures and incentives to encourage foreign investment," he said.

In December, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the aviation authorities of China and Bulgaria, with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation in civil aviation and transportation.

Tehov said he expects both sides to fully utilize the MoU to enhance connectivity between the two nations through direct air services, as well as rail links, which he said is another priority for Bulgaria.

The ambassador spoke highly of China's policy of reform and opening-up, which he said has delivered remarkable socioeconomic achievements, lifting millions out of poverty and turning China into one of the world's economic powerhouses.

Over the past decade or so, China has made spectacular advancements in various fields, he noted.

This year has also seen significant cultural exchanges between the two countries.

"Our bilateral cooperation in the sphere of culture and education, as well as our exchange programs, have both solid traditions and bright perspectives," the ambassador said, adding that this has contributed toward further strengthening friendly relations between the two nations.

The career diplomat said that he had personally observed the country's impressive achievements in many areas during his travels around China over the past nine months.

He added that he was genuinely impressed by innovative products developed by Chinese companies, especially in the areas of new energy technologies, smart electric mobility, fuel cell technology and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

As China deepens reform and advances its modernization drive, Bulgaria is ready to collaborate with China to translate these opportunities into tangible outcomes through mutually beneficial cooperation, aiming to bring prosperity to both peoples, Tehov said.