NEWS

 

 

Bulgaria highly values Japan's investments in our country, which contribute not only to the economic cooperation between the two countries. They serve as an example of a successful model for the organisation of entrepreneurial activity and of effective interaction between the education system, science, business and institutions, from which we can borrow especially in the field of innovation and high-tech industries. This is what Head of State Rumen Radev said at a meeting with a delegation of more than 70 Japanese companies from various sectors, led by Susumu Kataoka, President of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Ambassador of Japan in Sofia, H. E. Hisashi Michigami, also took part in the talks.

 

Within a week this is my second meeting with representatives of leading Japanese companies, which is a clear sign of the positive direction of the joint efforts to deepen cooperation between Bulgaria and Japan, President Radev said. The Head of State welcomed the JETRO investment interest in Bulgaria and highlighted our country's geostrategic position and the access it provides to the European market. The President noted our country's efforts to develop transport, energy and digital connectivity in the Central and Eastern European region - a priority also set by the Three Seas Initiative, of which Japan is a new strategic partner.

 

The knowledge of Bulgarian students, proven in numerous world science Olympiads, as well as the skills of our young scientists and specialists in the field of information technology and artificial intelligence, are the most valuable advantage of our country, President Radev said and highlighted the opportunities for cooperation with Japan in the development of scientific and research infrastructure. As a positive example for our country, the President cited the Institute for Research in Artificial Intelligence (INSAIT) at Sofia University, which, although opened only two years ago, is already attracting scientists, researchers and business representatives from around the world. In recent years, our country has made remarkable progress in the automotive sector, in the field of robotics and electronics, in the production of micro-satellites, and in the fintech industry, President Radev said and pointed to the opportunities for cooperation in these areas.

 

The opening of a direct air route between Bulgaria and Japan will encourage investments, tourism and exchanges between our young people, the President further said. During the meeting, the Japanese companies raised issues related to the development of nuclear energy in Bulgaria, the promotion of our country as a spa destination, as well as topics related to the promotion of European competitiveness. 

 

 

In his speech, the president pointed out that Bulgaria highly values its relations with Iraq, which is an important partner in the Middle East region

Taking advantage of their geostrategic position, Bulgaria and Georgia have the potential to deepen their connectivity in various areas such as transport, energy, and the digital sector, which will contribute to promoting the economy, investment, and prosperity in the Black Sea region. This was stated by President Rumen Radev, who held a meeting with the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili.

The two were unanimous that restoring peace in Europe through diplomacy is a priority for the EU and the only way to ensure the long-term security and stability of the Old Continent.

The President recalls that the institution of the Special Commercial Administrator (SCA) was introduced by an Act adopted in 2023, which also established a number of safeguards against potential abuse and arbitrariness — safeguards of the kind already adopted in other European states faced with similar circumstances, with the objective of minimising the risk of subsequent financial claims against the State