On October 19, 2026 local time, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister, held talks with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Petrova in Sofia.

Wang Yi stated that Bulgaria was one of the earliest countries to recognize the People's Republic of China and had friendly feelings towards each other. The China Bulgaria relationship is ushering in an important opportunity, and this visit to Bulgaria is timely. Both sides have had in-depth communication on planning high-level exchanges in the next stage and promoting practical cooperation in various fields, reaching broad consensus. We must continuously consolidate our political foundation, strengthen communication and coordination, and create important conditions for deepening mutually beneficial cooperation. China respects Bulgaria's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and is pleased to see Bulgaria accelerate its development goals under the leadership of the new government. China is willing to be a long-term and reliable strategic partner of Bulgaria in this process. We hope that the Bulgarian side will continue to adhere to the One China principle, understand and support China's legitimate position of safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Wang Yi said that China is willing to work with Bulgaria as a cooperative partner for Eurasian connectivity, joint development and revitalization, and practicing multilateralism. The two sides should coordinate and promote the joint construction of the "the Belt and Road", the docking of the "Middle Corridor", China Central and Eastern Europe cooperation, and China Europe cooperation to form a joint force to promote the accelerated development of their respective countries.

Wang Yi emphasized that China and Europe are partners, not rivals. They are opportunities for development rather than challenges, and should respect, appreciate, and achieve common success with each other. Together, they should shoulder the international responsibility for world peace and development. I hope that the EU, together with China, will adhere to the correct direction of opening up to the outside world, hold high the banner of free trade, oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and find ways to handle differences and solve problems through dialogue and consultation.

Petrova stated that the traditional friendship between China and Bulgaria is profound, and cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results. Baofang has long adhered to and will continue to firmly pursue the One China policy. Actively developing relations with China is the clear direction of the Baoxin government. Bulgaria is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as economy, trade, culture, and education, expand cooperation in high-tech and high value-added fields, and looks forward to the early opening of direct flights between the two countries. Located between the East and the West, Baodi is a crossroads connecting the Eurasian continent, and attaches great importance to connectivity. We are willing to find more points of convergence with China in this field. Baofang supports active dialogue between China and Europe and welcomes positive progress in the China Europe trade and investment consultations. We hope that both sides will continue to uphold mutual respect and pragmatic attitude, focus on the overall situation, and find a solution that takes into account the concerns of all parties.

Both sides also exchanged views on international and regional hot topics such as the Ukrainian crisis.

Source: Embassy of China in Bulgaria

Editor/Yang Meiling