Friendship, cooperation drive China-Bulgaria relations: president

Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova has described the defining features of her country's bilateral relations with China as "friendship" and "mutual understanding."

In an interview with China Media Group aired on Friday, Iotova highlighted the fruitful results in bilateral cooperation across various fields, and expressed expectation for closers ties.

"The year 2025 marks the 76th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China. Despite historical challenges and changes, these 76 years have shown that the people of the two nations are capable of mutual understanding and achieving shared prosperity. We have many joint initiatives in the fields of the economy, infrastructure, commercial projects, and investment, as well as in education and culture. If I were to sum up in a few words, there are the 'friendship' and 'mutual understanding,' which make everything possible. We are very pleased to see our bilateral relationship continuing to deepen, and we sincerely look forward to more Chinese companies investing and doing business in Bulgaria," said the president.

Bulgaria established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on October 4, 1949 - the fourth day after the founding of the People's Republic of China - making Bulgaria the second country to do so.

As a member of the European Union, Bulgaria has joined the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. The two countries have continuously strengthened practical cooperation in areas such as agriculture, new energy, communications, and automotive manufacturing.

Bilateral trade has further developed over the past few years. Bulgaria's specialty agri-food exports, such as rose essential oil, dairy products, and wine, have gained popularity among Chinese consumers, while Chinese technology is facilitating Bulgaria's green transformation.

Today, China has become Bulgaria's second largest trading partner outside the European Union, and the economic and trade cooperation between the two sides is brimming with vitality.

Friendship, cooperation drive China-Bulgaria relations: president

Friendship, cooperation drive China-Bulgaria relations: president

Chinese President Xi Jinping awarded Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China in Beijing on Monday.

As solemn music played and the golden doors slowly opened, Xi and Vucic entered the hall together, followed by Xi's wife Peng Liyuan and Vucic's wife Tamara Vucic.

Applauding guests rose to their feet, and paid respect to the two heads of state.

A Guard of Honor escorted the Friendship Medal into the hall, and amid solemn music, Xi formally presented the medal to Vucic.

Xi highlighted Vucic's long-standing commitment to advancing China-Serbia friendship and underscored the significance of the honor.

"President Vucic has long stayed committed to China-Serbia friendship, and he has always given China the firmest and clearest support on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns. He gains the respect from the Chinese people. This medal is not only a high recognition of President Vucic's contributions to bilateral friendship, but also carries the earnest expectations of both peoples for building a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era," Xi said.

The Friendship Medal is China's highest state honor for foreigners, reserved for those who have made outstanding contributions to China's modernization drive, promoting exchange and cooperation between China and the world, and safeguarding world peace.

At the invitation of Xi, Vucic is on a state visit to China from Sunday to Thursday, with this marking his first state visit to China and his ninth trip to the country overall.

Xi awards Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic China's friendship medal