Art performance at the event. (Source: VNA)

In her speech at the event, HUFO Chairwoman Hoang Thai Lan highlighted the close relations between Vietnam and Bulgaria over the past 69 years since the two sides established their bilateral diplomatic ties.

The Governments and peoples of the two countries have incessantly nurtured the traditional friendship across fields of politics, diplomacy, culture, science, education, and security-defence, she said.

The HUFO will work to maintain and further develop the relations for the benefit of both nations, she stressed.

On the occasion, Bulgarian Ambassador to Vietnam Marinela Petkova sent a letter to the meeting, expressing her gratitude and appreciation for the HUFO’s organization of the get-together.

She also thanked members of the friendship organisation, Vietnamese officials and students who worked and studied in Bulgaria for their efforts to connect the peoples of the two countries, as well as their contributions to the development of the bilateral ties in recent times.

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

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

Bulgaria considers Vietnam one of its most important partners in Southeast Asia, and Vietnam can help the EU nation enhance connections with ASEAN countries. Meanwhile, Bulgaria can also assist Vietnam in tightening links with EU countries. Its leaders have often affirmed that they support the signing and ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA)./.

VNF/VNA