site.btaVP Iotova Discusses Stronger Bulgaria-China Ties at Beijing Summit

Vice President Iliana Iotova met with her Chinese counterpart Han Zheng in Beijing, the President’s Press Secretariat said on Tuesday. 

Iotova is attending the World Women Leaders’ Summit, organized by China and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), marking 30 years since the Beijing Declaration.

During the discussions, Iotova underscored the significance of the 2019 declaration signed by President Rumen Radev and Xi Jinping, which elevated Bulgaria-China relations to a strategic partnership. The two parties explored opportunities to expand cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

During the meeting, it was mentioned that Bulgaria was one of the earliest countries to join the Belt and Road Initiative and the cooperation framework between China and Central and Eastern European countries.

Iotova delivered a message from President Radev to Xi Jinping, urging the resumption of talks to establish a direct Sofia–Beijing air route as part of a Balkan corridor. “This project will boost Chinese investment interest and support tourism and the citizens of both countries,” Iotova said.

Han Zheng noted China’s interest in Bulgarian agricultural products, describing them as high quality and environmentally sustainable. He also mentioned the substantial growth in bilateral trade in recent years. “China is Bulgaria’s second largest trading partner outside the European Union. Many Chinese companies are interested in investing in your country,” Han Zheng said.

Iotova welcomed the resumption of the regular session of the Bulgaria-China Intergovernmental Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation after a five-year hiatus.

Iotova also noted the strong, enduring cultural and educational ties between the two countries.

The Beijing meeting also addressed international security issues. Both vice presidents agreed on the importance of prioritizing peace policy.

Later, Iotova met with State Councillor Shen Yiqin, who also chairs the All-China Women’s Federation. Their discussions centered on expanding cooperation between Bulgaria and China in education, science, technology, and culture. Shen Yiqin recognized Iotova’s efforts in advancing bilateral relations and fostering closer ties between their nations.

The main topics included emerging challenges to gender equality, such as climate change and digital advancements.

On Monday, Iotova addressed the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women forum held in Beijing and said that innovation must be turned into an ally, not a new barrier to human rights. "Women cannot be allowed to pay the invisible price of digital progress," she said.