Bulgaria and China discussed the expansion of economic cooperation and connectivity between Europe and Asia
19 October 2026 News
Joint efforts for stability and diplomatic solutions to conflicts were among the highlights of talks between Foreign Ministers Velislava Petrova and Wang Yi
Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi, who is on an official visit to Bulgaria. The topics of conversation included the bilateral strategic partnership, economic relations, connectivity between Europe and Asia, as well as conflicts in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine.
Minister Petrova noted that the development of the war in Ukraine and the incidents in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone and the Black Sea put the importance of shipping safety and the security of trade relations between Europe and Asia at the forefront. She highlighted the importance of diplomatic efforts and the constructive contribution of international partners, including China, to de-escalation and achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace. Minister Petrova noted that stability is a common interest and shared responsibility, especially for countries with significant weight in international relations.
The long-standing friendship and the active political dialogue between Bulgaria and China create opportunities for expanding practical cooperation and the development of bilateral relations. The talks covered the development of the strategic partnership established in 2019, economic relations, connectivity between Europe and Asia, as well as EU-China relations.
The two ministers discussed opportunities to expand trade and mutual investment and to deepen cooperation in high technology, innovation, agriculture, energy and transport.
"We strive for this dynamic to be sustainable and bring benefits to both countries, including through more opportunities for Bulgarian producers on the Chinese market", Minister Petrova said. She highlighted the significant unused investment potential and stressed that Bulgaria welcomes investments that create production, jobs and technology in compliance with EU rules. The implementation of the agreements of the Nineteenth Session of the Bulgarian-Chinese Intergovernmental Mixed Commission for Economic Cooperation was also discussed.
Minister Wang Yi stated China's readiness to open its market for more quality Bulgarian products, especially in the field of agriculture, as well as for goods with high added value.
Special attention was paid to the transport and logistical connectivity between Europe and Asia, including the possibilities for better connection of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor with the European transport networks through the Bulgarian infrastructure. In this context, Minister Petrova highlighted Bulgaria's forthcoming hosting of a regional summit on connectivity in 2027, organized jointly with the EC.
Ministers noted the positive cooperation in education, science, culture, sports, youth exchanges and tourism. They also discussed the possibilities of establishing a direct air service between Bulgaria and China.
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