Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan (L) and her Bulgarian counterpart Iliana Iotova. (Photo: VNA)

Ms. Xuan affirmed that her visit demonstrates the wish of Vietnamese leaders and people to further enhance the traditional friendship between the two countries in all spheres.

She called on Bulgaria to create optimal conditions for a number of Vietnamese goods to increase their presence in the market, and then penetrate the EU market.

The Vice President used the occasion to appeal to Bulgaria to grant more scholarships to Vietnamese students, increase cultural and art exchanges, strengthen tourism collaboration, share experience in the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage, and consider receiving more Vietnamese guest workers.

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan meets Bulgarian President Rumen Radev (first from right). (Photo: VNA)

The Bulgarian leaders appreciated Xuan’s choice of Bulgaria as the first foreign country to visit in her capacity as Vice President of Vietnam.

President Rumen Radev expressed his admiration for the socio-economic achievements Vietnam has recorded, and spoke highly of the progress in bilateral relations.

Bulgaria stands ready to serve as a gateway for Vietnam to forge its relations with the European Union, they pledged.

Vice President Iliana Iotova said Vietnam and Bulgaria have substantial cooperation potential, and suggested the two sides beef up collaboration in traditional fields.

Before arriving in Bulgaria, Vice President Xuan visited Frankfurt, Germany, where she received President of the Hessen State Parliament Boris Rhein.

During the reception, she thanked the authorities and people of Hessen State for their timely donations of COVID-19 vaccines and medical supplies to Vietnam.