Having stood side by side through difficult times, the peoples of Viet Nam and Bulgaria have always cherished the bonds of affection between the two nations and remain committed to fostering a relationship that grows increasingly practical and effective while being elevated to new heights.
Bulgaria was among the first countries in the world to recognise Viet Nam’s independence and establish diplomatic ties with the country. On February 8, 1950, Viet Nam and Bulgaria, which are located on different continents, officially established diplomatic ties, marking a golden milestone in the history of their relations. Despite the geographical distance, the two countries have maintained a close and enduring friendship.
Bulgaria offered Viet Nam valuable support and assistance during its struggle for national liberation and defence. Thousands of Vietnamese scientists, specialists, and skilled workers have been trained in Bulgaria in fields such as architecture, construction, agriculture, mechanical engineering, and medicine.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Bulgaria Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet remarked that 75 years of diplomatic relations marks a highly significant milestone, demonstrating the loyal and enduring friendship between Viet Nam and Bulgaria, which has been nurtured and cultivated through generations.
Three-quarters of a century have not diminished the sincere and lasting friendship between the two traditional partners. The friendship between the two peoples remains a precious shared asset and serves as a firm foundation for Viet Nam–Bulgaria relations to continue developing successfully in the present era, amid new contexts and missions.
“Seventy-five years of diplomatic relations mark a highly meaningful milestone, showing that the faithful and enduring friendship between Viet Nam and Bulgaria has been built and nurtured through many generations.”
Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet, Vietnamese Ambassador to Bulgaria
President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev has affirmed that Bulgaria has always regarded Viet Nam as a trustworthy, sincere, and faithful friend. According to the Bulgarian leader, the current close ties between the two nations owe much to generations of Vietnamese who once lived, studied, and worked in Bulgaria. Today, the Vietnamese community in Bulgaria continues that tradition, serving as a bridge of friendship between the two peoples.
Veteran Bulgarian journalist Maxim Behar expressed his deep affection for the diligent and resilient Vietnamese workers who lived and worked in Bulgaria during the 1980s and 1990s, emphasising that only a few countries in the world share such a special bond as that between Viet Nam and Bulgaria.
Minister of Labour and Social Policy of Bulgaria Borislav Gutsanov voiced admiration for the indomitable will of the Vietnamese people in their struggle for independence and national construction, which has transformed Viet Nam into the dynamic and rapidly developing economy it is today.
The strategic geographical positions of both Viet Nam and Bulgaria offer favourable conditions for enterprises from each country to expand their investment and business markets. Bulgarian leaders have affirmed that they view Viet Nam — an active member of ASEAN with an important voice in the region — as a crucial bridge helping Bulgaria enhance its engagement with ASEAN.
Meanwhile, Bulgaria serves as a gateway linking Europe with Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, acting as a transit hub for goods along intercontinental trade routes. Bulgaria’s full accession to the Schengen Area as of January 1, 2025, will further create opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to gain faster access to the European market.
Viet Nam and Bulgaria share great potential for cooperation across a wide range of fields, including information technology, energy and environment, start-ups and innovation, agriculture and food processing, and logistics.
In a world experiencing complex and unpredictable economic and political shifts, the continued strengthening of Viet Nam–Bulgaria relations, grounded by the long-standing friendship, represents a timely and mutually beneficial step, contributing to the overall stability and development of both Europe and Asia.
