The relations between Bulgaria and Japan have a long history and an even brighter future
12 February 2014 News
The relations between Bulgaria and Japan have a long history and an even brighter future. We can show their importance through joint initiatives that will symbolically mark the 55th anniversary of the restoration of the diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2014. This was said by Minister Kristian Vigenin during the today’s meeting with the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan,Takao Makino, who is on a visit to Sofia.
In geographical terms Bulgaria is far from Japan, but we feel very close to your country. For us Bulgaria is an important partner and we appreciate the role that it plays for the stability of the region, said the Vice-Minister Takao Makino.
They shared the common appreciation of the level of political dialogue between Bulgaria and Japan, expressing confidence that the forthcoming in late February regular political consultations between the foreign ministries will contribute to its deepening. They emphasized the importance of the launched in 2010 program for exchange of short-term placements of diplomats between the foreign ministries of the two countries.
"The economy, culture and education are areas of our bilateral cooperation with traditions and a lot of new ideas and perspectives," said Minister Vigenin. He pointed out that in the sphere of economic relations, the Foreign Ministry has intensified functions and will continue to assist the expansion of trade and the establishment of beneficial business partnerships.
According to the Bulgarian Foreign Minister, amidst the government's priorities is to create a good environment not only for the Bulgarian, but also for the foreign business, interested in investing in Bulgaria. "Our goal is the business to feel welcome, because the successful investments are the best advertising," said Kristian Vigenin.
Among the topics of conversation were also the opportunities for cooperation within the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, which is chaired by Bulgaria from 1 January 2014. Minister Vigenin and Vice-Minister Takao Makino discussed the relations between the European Union and Japan. "As a member state Bulgaria has the opportunity to work not only for the development of the bilateral relations, but also for the development of the relations between the EU and Japan," the Bulgarian Foreign Minister said.