site.btaDeputy PM Zafirov Attends Military Parade in Beijing and Holds Talks with President Xi Jinping

The chairman of the National Council of the Bulgarian Socialist Party, Atanas Zafirov, and his delegation attended the military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. During the celebrations, he held talks with Xi Jinping, Chairman of the People's Republic of China and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, the Bulgarian Socialist Party said in a press release here on Tuesday. The delegation's visit was at the invitation of the Communist Party of China.

The celebrations in Beijing were held under the motto "Remember the past, honor the memory of the fallen heroes, cherish peace, and build a better future." The BSP delegation was invited to the official reception organized by President Xi Jinping, and Atanas Zafirov had the honor of being on the official podium alongside state and government leaders from 26 countries. 

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov Tuesday distanced himself and the government from the ongoing visit to China of Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov and Regional Development Minister Ivan Ivanov. Speaking to reporters in the Black Sea city of Burgas, he said the visit is "a party initiative and the government is uninvolved".