The visit, lasting from November 24 to 28, marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations ahead of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025.

On the afternoon of November 24, a special aircraft carrying Bulgarian President Rumen Georgiev Radev, First Lady Desislava Radeva, and a high-level Bulgarian delegation landed at Noi Bai International Airport.

The President and First Lady are visiting Vietnam from November 24 to 28 at the invitation of President Luong Cuong.

The delegation includes Galin Tsokov, Minister of Education and Science; Rosen Karadimov, Minister of Innovation and Growth; Evtim Miloshev, Minister of Tourism; Tzveta Timeva, Secretary-General to the President; Pavlin Todorov, Bulgarian Ambassador to Vietnam; and several presidential advisors specializing in foreign policy, economics, domestic policy, legal affairs, and media relations. Joining them are Vassil Alexandrov Terziev, Mayor of Sofia; Pencho Plamenov Milkov, Mayor of Ruse; and representatives of Bulgarian businesses.

Welcoming the Bulgarian delegation at the airport were Nguyen Kim Son, Vietnam’s Minister of Education and Training; Pham Thanh Binh, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Do Hoang Long, Vietnam's Ambassador to Bulgaria; and officials from the Presidential Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This marks the first visit to Vietnam by a Bulgarian president in 11 years and President Rumen Radev's first official trip to the country.

President Radev is also the first foreign head of state to be officially received by President Luong Cuong since he took office. Radev, known for his positive view of Vietnam, has engaged extensively with Vietnamese leaders and shown consistent interest in fostering the development of the Vietnamese community in Bulgaria.

The visit reflects the strong bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Bulgaria on both bilateral and multilateral fronts. It coincides with preparations for 2025, marking 75 years of diplomatic ties, and serves as a catalyst to elevate the partnership to new heights.

A formal welcome ceremony for President Radev is scheduled for November 25 at the Presidential Palace, hosted by President Luong Cuong. The two leaders will hold discussions, witness the signing of cooperation agreements, and meet with the press.
Additionally, President Radev will meet with General Secretary To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

During their stay, the President and his delegation will lay wreaths at the Monument to the Fallen Heroes on Bac Son Road, pay respects at President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, and participate in several other activities.

Accompanying the President is a group of Bulgarian enterprises specializing in IT and high-tech industries. Their participation provides a solid foundation for advancing bilateral cooperation in sectors where Bulgaria excels and Vietnam seeks collaboration.

Tran Thuong