site.btaParliament Deputy Chair Nazaryan: Bulgaria, Japan May Be Geographically Distant, but They Are Close at Heart

Bulgaria and Japan may be geographically distant, but they are close at heart, share core values and face common international challenges, Raya Nazaryan, Deputy Chair of the Bulgarian National Assembly and Chair of the Bulgaria-Japan Friendship Group, said as quoted by Parliament’s press service on Wednesday. She made the statement during a meeting in Tokyo with members of the Japan-Bulgaria parliamentary friendship group. Nazaryan is leading a delegation on a three-day visit to Japan. 

In Tokyo, the Bulgarian delegation held talks with Junichi Ishii, chair of the Japan-Bulgaria Parliamentary Friendship Association at the House of Councillors, members of the group, and Japanese MPs. 

Nazaryan emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between the two parliamentary friendship groups, noting that it vital for maintaining the parliamentary dialogue between Bulgaria and Japan. She expressed gratitude for the warm reception extended to the Bulgarian delegation and noted that the visit reflects the active and ongoing dialogue between the two parliaments, an key element and driver of Bulgarian-Japanese relations.

“Japan has many friends in our country,” Nazaryan said, adding that more than 40 organizations in Bulgaria are engaged in Japan-related activities. She highlighted the growing interest in the Bulgarian language in Japan, which is now taught at five universities.

During the visit, Nazaryan also held talks with Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hisayuki Fujii. She noted that 2025 marks 116 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Japan, and expressed confidence that the strategic partnership will help realize the significant potential for cooperation across areas of shared interest. There are promising opportunities for deeper political dialogue and cooperation in economy, energy, innovation, culture, education, and local governance, Nazaryan said. She also emphasized the importance of cooperation in the framework of EU-Japan and EU-NATO partnerships, as well as on key issues on the global agenda.

The Bulgarian parliamentary delegation also attended a ceremony at the residence of the Bulgarian Ambassador, where renowned Japanese musician and actor Hiromitsu Kitayama was nominated as Bulgaria’s Goodwill Ambassador to Japan. The event was attended by Japanese MPs, business leaders, and media representatives, with former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga as a special guest. Nazaryan thanked Kitayama for embracing the noble role of Goodwill Ambassador, describing it as “a calling and a good example for the younger generation, who play a vital role in building a free, secure, and democratic future.”

The Bulgarian delegation included Denitsa Nikolova MP of GERB - UDF, Daniel Lorer MP of Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria, BSP - United Left Deputy Floor Leader Maya Dimitrova, and There Is Such a People Floor Leader Toshko Yordanov.