(VOVworld) - Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong has thanked Bulgaria’s assistance in Vietnam’s national construction and defense. During a reception on Monday for the visiting Bulgarian Prime Minister Plamen Vasilev Oresharski, Trong underscored that in its foreign policy of multilateralization and diversification of international relations, Vietnam attached great importance to its relations with traditional friends including Bulgaria and wished to further bilateral ties with the country. Prime Minister Plamen Vasilev Oresharski said that Bulgaria treasured the development of friendship and cooperation with Vietnam.

On the same day, President Truong Tan Sang received the Bulgarian Prime Minister. He hailed the growing economic and trade ties between the two countries, and noted the upcoming signing of the Vietnam-European Union free trade agreement (FTA) will open up plenty of opportunity for bilateral economic and trade cooperation. He proposed both sides create favourable conditions for their business communities to meet and explore each other’s markets to establish long-term partnerships. He thanked Bulgaria for supporting Vietnam’s East Sea stance, saying all disputes should be settled through peaceful means. Oreshaski told Sang Bulgaria considers Vietnam a strategic partner in the region and it will do its utmost to strengthen all-round cooperation with Vietnam. The Prime Minister said Bulgaria is ready to help Vietnam enhance cooperation with other European countries.

At another reception for PM Oreshaski, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung assured his guest the Vietnam National Assembly supports the two governments’ cooperation and strive to elevate relations to new heights.