Possibilities for fostering bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Bulgaria and Japan in areas of mutual interest such as innovation, information technology, science and education, and other areas were discussed at a meeting in Sofia by the Head of State Rumen Radev and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Japanese Parliament, Fukushiro Nukaga. The guest and the delegation led by him are on a formal visit to this country.

 

Attracting more Japanese investment, deepening economic cooperation and promoting tourism exchange were the focus of the conversation between Radev and Nukaga. The two emphasised that the active political dialogue at a high and highest level in recent years has created an important basis for the positive development of bilateral cooperation. Japan is a priority and like-minded partner of Bulgaria in the East Asian region, and the Japanese people are friendly to the Bulgarians, the president pointed out, noting the potential for expanding cooperation between the two countries. The two also discussed the good conditions for investments in this country, which Japanese business can benefit from with access to other European countries.

 

Energy, electronics, robotics and the automotive industry were also identified as promising areas, in which Bulgaria has seen significant development in recent years. Nukaga said that Bulgaria is making efforts to establish itself as a regional centre for high technologies, and an example of this is the activity of the Institute for Research in the Field of Artificial Intelligence (INSAIT), with which the Japanese national research agency RIKEN develops joint research activities. During the meeting, the possibility of opening a direct flight line Sofia-Tokyo was also discussed, which will contribute to further deepening of bilateral relations.

 

President Radev expressed gratitude for the support of the Japanese side in Bulgaria's democratic transition, for establishing the principles of the market economy and for strengthening institutions, culture and education.