Political consultations at Director-General level between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria and Japan
05 April 2023 News
On 20 March 2023, the first political consultations with Japan in 5 years took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On the Bulgarian side the talks were moderated by Mr. Petar Kraytchev, Director General of the Directorate General for Bilateral Relations, and on the Japanese side by Mr. Kimitake Nakamura, Deputy Director General for European Affairs and Assistant Deputy Minister.
The consultations provided a good opportunity to exchange views on a wide range of issues, including the state and opportunities for deepening bilateral relations, current developments with a regional and global dimension, cooperation between Bulgaria and Japan within international organisations, etc. In the course of the discussion the traditionally friendly bilateral relations were noted and our desire to intensify the political dialogue was confirmed. Both sides welcomed the planned visit of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan to Bulgaria in 2023, which is expected to give a new impetus to trade and investment relations. Mr. Kraytchev noted that a number of Japanese companies have invested in our country, but there is potential for further development of cooperation in this area, to which the ministerial visit will hopefully contribute. It was noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the successful cooperation between LB Bulgaricum and the Japanese company Meiji for the production and sale of yogurt with the brand ‘Bulgaria’, thanks to which our country enjoys high popularity in Japan.
On the Bulgarian side, it was reaffirmed our aspiration to work for mutual understanding between the two countries through the development of Bulgarian and Japanese studies, as well as to encourage exchanges between the peoples of the two countries. Opportunities for cooperation in the Western Balkan countries were discussed and a positive assessment of the successful cooperation between Bulgaria and Japan in the field of official development assistance in the region was shared. Among the leading topics was the Russian military aggression against Ukraine, and the interlocutors outlined their positions on the war with emphasis on the need for unity and solidarity of the international community.
In 2024, Bulgaria and Japan mark a triple anniversary in bilateral relations — 115 years since the first contacts between the two countries, 85 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations and 65 years since their restoration.