International: Bulgarian President Iliyana Ilitova recently paid an official visit to China. During the visit, she shared her views on Bulgaria–China relations in an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG), expressing her strong commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties.

Referring to her participation in the World Women’s Summit held in China last October, President Ilitova recalled President Xi Jinping’s remarks that safeguarding women’s rights and advancing women-centered initiatives are of vital importance to global development. She noted that the summit reviewed progress in women’s development over the past 30 years and emphasized the need for faster and more proactive efforts over the next three decades to further advance this cause.

In the interview, President Ilitova highlighted that 2025 marks the 76th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China. Despite historical challenges and global transformations, she said, the bilateral relationship over the past 76 years has demonstrated that the two countries are capable of achieving mutual understanding and shared prosperity. Cooperation spans a wide range of areas, including the economy, infrastructure, business projects, investment, education, and culture. Summing up the essence of bilateral ties, she described them as being founded on friendship and mutual understanding—values that enable both sides to achieve common goals. She expressed great satisfaction with the depth of the relationship and voiced her anticipation for increased investment and business activities by Chinese enterprises in Bulgaria.

Addressing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), President Ilitova noted that Bulgaria is an active participant and stressed that both countries should seize the opportunities it offers to enhance comprehensive cooperation and expand bilateral investment.

In recent years, green development has emerged as a key pillar of cooperation between China and Europe. As a member of the European Union, Bulgaria has signed the European Green Deal. President Ilitova emphasized that protecting the planet is the responsibility of the current generation, noting that countries worldwide are facing severe challenges posed by climate change. She added that Bulgaria is actively formulating and implementing green policies, including the promotion of renewable energy and photovoltaic power systems.

Source: Shuye-Touhid-Jinia, China Media Group.