The Declaration on Elevating Bilateral Relations between Bulgaria and Japan to the Level of Strategic Partnership, signed in May in Tokyo by President Rumen Radev and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, creates numerous prospects for deepening bilateral cooperation, including in the field of defence and security. This was the common position of Head of State Rumen Radev and the Parliamentary Deputy Minister of Defence of Japan Yozo Kaneko , who held a meeting today at the presidential institution. The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of Japan to Bulgaria Hisashi Michigami.

Japan is a priority partner and friend of Bulgaria in the East Asian region, emphasised Rumen Radev, highlighting the long-standing friendship between the two countries, which is based on mutual respect, to which trust in the bilateral political dialogue at the highest level also contributes.

As promising areas of bilateral partnership in the field of defines and security, military training and education, crisis management, exchange of experience in dealing with the consequences of disasters and accidents, cybersecurity and cooperation in the development and implementation of modern defence technologies were noted. The Head of State recalled that Sofia is home to a NATO Center of Excellence for Crisis Management and Disaster Response, which also opens up opportunities for exchange of experience and joint training.

Deputy Minister Kaneko indicated that a cadet from the Higher Naval School "N.Y. Vaptsarov" in Varna is about to be invited to participate in a training course in Japan. Yozo Kaneko also recalled that Rumen Radev is the first foreign head of state to visit the Hyakuri Air Base during his official visit to Japan in May this year.

During the meeting, issues related to the deteriorating global security environment were discussed and a common position was expressed that this reinforces the need for further deepening of the partnership in the field of defence and security.

The Bulgarian head of state congratulated the Japanese delegation on Japan's successful hosting of EXPO Osaka 2025. Rumen Radev also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity for our country to present its achievements in the field of high technology and artificial intelligence during the world exhibition.