Chinese FM, Bulgarian deputy PM pledge to expand practical cooperation

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Poulev in Sofia, Bulgaria, Oct. 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)

SOFIA, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Poulev here on Monday, with both sides agreeing to expand practical cooperation.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, congratulated Poulev on the success of his recent visit to China, saying that as China-Bulgaria relations are entering a period of significant opportunity for further growth, the two sides should meet each other halfway and boost their respective development and revitalization through more practical cooperation.

Wang also said China is willing to expand practical cooperation with Bulgaria in areas such as finance and investment while expressing the hope that Bulgaria will optimize its visa policies to facilitate people-to-people exchanges. With the efforts of both sides, China-Bulgaria relations will definitely open a new chapter full of greater vitality, he added.

Moreover, Wang said with its strategic geographical location, Bulgaria can serve as an important link between Asia and Europe, and as a European Union (EU) member, it can play a positive role in China-EU strategic cooperation. China stands ready to work with Bulgaria to promote greater alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the Middle Corridor, Wang noted.

For his part, Poulev congratulated China on its successful advancement of modernization drive and its remarkable achievements in such areas as economic development, scientific and technological innovation, and infrastructure. He said his recent visit to China has been highly successful, and that the high-level reception he received has reflected the great importance China has attached to Bulgaria.

He noted that Bulgaria's new government has adopted a proactive approach and a long-term vision for developing relations with China, and is willing to serve as a gateway for Chinese enterprises seeking to enter Europe. Bulgaria stands ready to make unremitting efforts to promote Bulgaria-China and EU-China cooperation and translate their friendly relations into more tangible outcomes of practical cooperation, Poulev said.