Hanoi (VNA) – President VoVan Thuong applauded contributions by Bulgarian Ambassador to Vietnam MarinelaPetkova to the countries’ relations while receiving the outgoing diplomat inHanoi on June 9.

The State leader congratulated Petkovaon her excellent fulfillment of tasks in Vietnam, with various substantialcontributions to the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperationbetween the two countries.

Thanking Vietnamese authorities forcreating optimal conditions for her to perform duties, the ambassador affirmedthat Bulgaria always treasures the time-tested friendship with Vietnam andwishes to step up bilateral multifaceted cooperation.

She recalled the Bulgaria visit by Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan in 2021, describingthe trip as a demonstration of Vietnamese and Bulgarian leaders’ wish tostrengthen bilateral ties. She also highlighted the strong recovery of tradebetween the two countries since the COVID-19 pandemic was brought undercontrol.

Petkova pledged that in any positionin the future, she will continue helping foster the countries’ relations.

She also took this occasion to conveythe Bulgarian President’s invitation for a visit the European country to PresidentThuong.

Appreciating the invitation, viaAmbassador Petkova, President Thuong also invited his Bulgarian counterpart tovisit Vietnam soon.

He expressed his belief that on thebasis of the long-standing friendship, Vietnam - Bulgaria relations will developeven further in the future. He also called on both sides to increase meetingsat all levels so as to fuel the development of partnerships in all spheres.

The President held that bilateraltrade has been growing strongly in the recent past but yet to match potentialand both sides’ expectations.

He asked the two countries to convene the 24th meeting of the Inter-governmental Committee oneconomic, trade, and scientific cooperation in 2023. The leader also recommendedBulgaria soon ratify the EU - Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA)and create conditions for businesses and investors of the EU, Bulgaria, andVietnam to further engage in each other’s markets.

Vietnam and Bulgaria should maintaincooperation and mutual support at international forums, he added.

President Thuong highly valued Bulgaria’s creation of favourable conditionsfor Vietnamese people to live, study, and work in the European country, suggesting thetwo sides step up people-to-people exchanges and tourism so that more Bulgariantourists can come to Vietnam.

He also thanked Bulgaria for helping Vietnam with manpower training,which he said is a contribution to bilateral connections./.