site.btaUPDATED President Rumen Radev Visits Japanese Hyakuri Air Base, RIKKEN Reserch Centre
On the last day of his official visit to Japan, President Rumen Radev visited the JASDF (Japan Air Self-Defense Force) Hyakurii Air Base. He was shown a Japanese multi-role fighter F-2 A/B, a joint development of Japan and the United States, as well as other aircraft.
The head of State also entered the cockpit of one of the fighters, called the "blue wasp" because of its specific gray-blue color and the shape of its fuselage. As a gesture to the Bulgarian President, the hosts had prepared a pilot's helmet with his call sign (pilot name), Moses.
The President was welcomed by representatives of the leadership of the country's air force.
Radev highly appreciated the cooperation between the Bulgarian and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force within Exercise Sea Breeze 2024 and stressed the importance of maintaining freedom and security of navigation and joint efforts to neutralize sea mines. The head of State expressed Bulgaria's interest in deepening the partnership in the field of security and defence. During the meeting, the possibility of cooperation in preparing for crisis response and dealing with the consequences of natural disasters was also discussed.
Later, President Rumen Radev visited the research centre of the largest scientific organization in Japan, RIKKEN, which has been cooperating with the Bulgarian Institute of Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology INSAIT since 2023. During his visit, Radev discussed the possibilities of expanding the partnership with Bulgaria and examined the laboratories of the centre.
President Rumen Radev was on an official visit to Japan, which ends on May 21. The President is leading a delegation, which also includes representatives of Bulgarian businesses. During his visit, Radev met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, had an audience with Japanese Emperor Naruhito, and took part in a business forum.
The head of State also visited the Bulgarian pavilion at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka.
/DT/
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