site.btaPresident Radev Discusses Bilateral Relations, War in Ukraine with Japan's Kyodo News Agency

Deepening and expanding bilateral relations with Japan is a consistent priority for Bulgaria, said President Rumen Radev in an interview with the Japanese news agency Kyodo ahead of his official visit to Japan, as quoted by his Press Secretariat.

In Tokyo, the Bulgarian head of state is scheduled to have an audience with His Majesty Emperor Naruhito and sign a Declaration of Strategic Partnership between Bulgaria and Japan together with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. In Osaka, the President and his delegation will take part in Bulgaria Day at the World Expo 2025.

Bilateral relations

The President emphasized the long-standing history and traditions in the relations between Bulgaria and Japan, as well as the great potential for further development. Last year marked 115 years since the first official contacts between the two countries, 85 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and 65 years since their restoration. Radev highlighted the intense economic and cultural cooperation between Bulgaria and Japan during the 1970s and 1980s, recalling Bulgaria’s participation in the World Expo in Osaka in 1970. At that time, Bulgaria showcased its rich culture and various products, including Bulgarian yogurt, which has been extremely popular in Japan ever since and is now part of the country's healthy lifestyle.

Rumen Radev identified several particularly promising areas for bilateral cooperation between Bulgaria and Japan, including innovation, information technology, scientific research, artificial intelligence, energy, trade, the automotive sector, education, culture, and tourism.

In response to a question about the growing interest of Japanese companies in Bulgaria, Radev pointed to Bulgaria’s achievements in the IT sector and cited the establishment of the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) a few years ago as an example. The institute creates favorable conditions for attracting investment in these fields.

"One of the most important aspects of my visit to Japan is the long-awaited signing of the Declaration to elevate bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Japan to the level of strategic partnership," the President stressed, adding that this would further stimulate the development of bilateral cooperation. He also noted that the Bulgarian delegation includes representatives of leading Bulgarian companies from various sectors who will hold meetings with their Japanese counterparts.

"Bulgaria offers unique opportunities for business and can be Japan’s partner in Southeast Europe," the President stated, emphasizing the growing interest of Bulgarians in Japan, as well as the increasing number of Japanese visitors to Bulgaria, which contributes to the development of cultural exchange between the two countries. 

Russia's war against Ukraine

In response to a question, President Radev identified the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine as the main security challenge in Europe and called for diplomatic efforts to bring it to an end. "Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, I have maintained that it has no military solution," Radev said, adding that the conflict has become a war of attrition, devastating for Ukraine’s infrastructure and economy.

According to the President, diplomatic efforts were delayed and should have begun from the very first day of the war to prevent destruction and the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. He noted that Bulgaria has provided comprehensive support to Ukraine since the start of the conflict, but sending more weapons will not bring peace. Radev therefore called for support of every initiative aimed at ending hostilities, welcoming the efforts and initiatives of U.S. President Donald Trump for an immediate ceasefire and the start of negotiations between the Presidents of Russia and Ukraine.

"People in Bulgaria and in our region want to see peace restored in Europe," Rumen Radev emphasized, also pointing out the challenges to peace and security caused by the ongoing war, as well as its severe consequences for the social and economic systems of neighboring countries.

In response to a question about the future of Crimea, President Radev stressed that the only way to achieve a stable long-term solution is through an agreement between Russia and Ukraine. He added that any future peace deal should be based on international law and the principles of the United Nations and will require compromises from both sides.

F-16 fighter jets acquired by Bulgaria from U.S.

When asked about Bulgaria’s acquisition of F-16 fighter jets from the U.S., the President highlighted the critical importance of modernizing the Bulgarian Armed Forces to achieve modern defense capabilities and true operational compatibility within NATO. He also emphasized that, in order to fully utilize the capabilities of the new aircraft, it is essential to integrate all systems related to their operation and ensure proper maintenance.