パルヴァノフ大統領祝賀メッセージ

Dear Friends,

In 2009 we are celebrating numerous important jubilees in the history of the Bulgarian-Japanese relations: the 50 th Anniversary of the re-establishment of the diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Japan, 90 th Anniversary of the establishment of the official relations, 70 th Anniversary from the opening of the first Japanese mission here.

Those official celebrations give rise for a positive assessment.

In the last half century of turbulent social and political changes in the world, Bulgaria and Japan maintained and developed relations of friendship and mutual respect. Despite of the geographical distance and different historical fate of the two countries, during this five decades Bulgarian-Japanese relations are assessed by their stable, positive dynamic, intensive exchanges at all levels and excellent mutual cooperation at the international arena. Dozens of visits at a high level have been taking place and established a solid ground for close cooperation of mutual interest in all spheres. Numerous successful joint projects in the sectors of economy, infrastructure, environmental protection, education, culture and social sphere prove the valuable support of Japan to Bulgaria in the years of transition.

Essential element of the bilateral relations and key factor for strengthening of the friendship, mutual acquaintance of the local cultures, customs and traditions and direct communication among the citizens of both countries, is the extremely rich cultural and scientific dialogue and the intensive exchange of people on different programmes, the agreements between the governments and local authorities of the two countries and the initiatives at civil level.

Bulgaria ’s membership to the European Union has opened new perspectives for enhancing the relations and friendship with Japan at bilateral level, and within the framework of the vast strategic dialogue EU-Japan, as well as for more valuable utilization of the significant potential for commercial and economical cooperation.

The 50 th Jubilee of the bilateral relations will be marked by series of celebrations and cultural events under the title “The Year of Bulgaria” in Japan. The rich programme, with main event the exhibition of the worldly famous Thracian gold treasuries, will enable the Japanese audience to enrich the knowledge about Bulgaria, not only as the country of roses, yogurt and motherland of the first European, champion at the Japanese Sumo Tournament Kaloyan Mahlyanov- Kotooshu, but also as a modern European state with significant contribution to the world cultural and historical heritage.

I am sure that the mutual celebration of the 50 th Anniversary of the re-establishment of the diplomatic relations will be a new impetus to the comprehensive development of the relations of friendship and partnership between Bulgaria and Japan.

Georgi Parvanov President of the Republic of Bulgaria