Speaking to DAV's lecturers and students, the Bulgarian President positioned both nations as crucial bridges, with Vietnam serving as a connector between Bulgaria and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Bulgaria acting as a gateway for Vietnam to the European Union.
According to President Radev, the two countries set up legal frameworks and cooperation mechanisms across multiple sectors such as economy, trade, defence, education and security. Particularly noteworthy was the President’s emphasis on the bilateral economic – trade ties. He said the upcoming Vietnam – Bulgaria business forum in Ho Chi Minh City aims to foster economic relations while showcasing the mutually beneficial economic collaboration in areas of strength and need between the two countries.
He went on to lay stress on the remarkable educational exchange legacy, with more than 3,600 engineers and scientists as well as 30,000 skilled workers from Vietnam trained in Bulgaria. Many of the alumni have become Vietnam’s important leaders and made significant contributions to their homeland.
President Radev shared Bulgaria’s experience in obtaining a harmonious balance between innovation and tradition, presenting it as a potential roadmap for Vietnam’s future development. He added that his country has obtained several achievements in innovation thanks to initiatives to support startups in the area and develop the digital economy.
Addressing the DAV students, the future diplomats of Vietnam, the President emphasised that diplomacy is far more than a profession, it is a critical vocation for the future, elaborating in a world that has become an arena of intense and relentless competition, international relations have been increasingly fragile.
Becoming an excellent diplomat is the most effective way to serve the country, protect the citizens’ interests, and advance Vietnam’s international integration, he stressed, saying he is in Vietnam to witness the Vietnam – Bulgaria relations grow into the new era.
