On October 19, 2026, local time, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held talks with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Petrova in Sofia.
Wang Yi stated that Bulgaria is one of the first countries to have recognized the People’s Republic of China, and the two peoples harbor friendly feelings toward each other. China-Bulgaria relations now face important opportunities, and this visit to Bulgaria is most timely.
The two sides have conducted in-depth communication on planning high-level exchanges for the next stage and advancing practical cooperation in various fields, and have reached broad consensus. It is necessary to continuously consolidate the political foundation and strengthen communication and coordination to create important conditions for deepening mutually beneficial cooperation. China respects Bulgaria's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, is pleased to see Bulgaria accelerate the realization of its development goals under the new government, and is ready to be a long-term and trustworthy strategic partner of Bulgaria in this process. China hopes that Bulgaria will continue to uphold the one-China principle and understand and support China's legitimate position of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Wang Yi stated that China is ready to be Bulgaria's partner in Eurasian connectivity, in pursuing development and revitalization, and in practicing multilateralism. The two sides should coordinate their efforts to promote synergy among Belt and Road cooperation, alignment with the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, TITR), China-CEEC cooperation, and China-EU cooperation, so as to accelerate the development of their respective countries.
Wang Yi stressed that China and the EU are partners, not rivals, and are opportunities for each other rather than challenges. The two sides should respect each other, appreciate each other, achieve common success, and jointly shoulder international responsibilities for world peace and development. China hopes that the EU will work with China to adhere to the correct direction of opening up, hold high the banner of free trade, oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and find ways to handle differences and solve problems through dialogue and consultation.
Petrova stated that Bulgaria and China enjoy a profound traditional friendship, and cooperation between the two countries in various fields has yielded fruitful outcomes. Bulgaria has long upheld and will continue to firmly pursue the one-China policy. Actively developing relations with China is a clear direction of Bulgaria's new government.
Bulgaria is ready to strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as economy and trade, culture and education, and to expand cooperation in high-tech and high-value-added fields; it also looks forward very much to the early opening of direct flights between the two countries. Situated between East and West, Bulgaria is a crossroads connecting the Eurasian continent; it attaches great importance to connectivity and is ready to find more converging interests with China in this field. Bulgaria supports active dialogue between China and the EU and welcomes the positive progress in China-EU trade and investment consultations. It hopes that both sides will continue to uphold mutual respect and adopt a pragmatic attitude, keep the big picture in mind, and find solutions that accommodate the concerns of all parties.
The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and other international and regional hotspot issues.
