スタニシェフ・ブルガリア首相の年頭祝賀メッセージ
Unofficial translation from Bulgarian!
TO
HIS EXCELLENCY
MR. TARO ASO
PRIME MINISTER
OF JAPAN
TOKYO
YOUR EXCELLENCY,
On behalf of the Government of Bulgaria and on my own behalf I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations and the 90th anniversary of the establishment of official ties between Bulgaria and Japan.
I am happy to note that through the decades relations of friendships, mutual understanding and beneficial cooperation were established between Bulgaria and Japan, on the strength of their shared values and common approaches to global challenges. Today the two countries are partners with active exchange in all fields of mutual interest on a bilateral basis and within the wider framework of the comprehensive EU-Japan dialogue.
I avail myself if this auspicious occasion to express my firm conviction in the excellent prospects for further enrichment of the all-round cooperation and partnership between Bulgaria and Japan. I am certain that the numerous events in both countries commemorating the important jubilees shall contribute to the development of bilateral ties.
The Bulgaria Japan Friendship Year within the framework of the Japan-Danube (Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania) Friendship Year includes a rich variety of events introducing traditional and modern Bulgarian art. I am happy to mention the great success of the ongoing Thracian golden treasures exhibition in Japan.
I am convinced that the intensive culture and human exchange in 2009 will provide a new impetus to Bulgaria-Japan relations and I hope that it will help the Japanese public to rediscover Bulgaria, which is known in Japan for its yoghurt, roses and sumo wrestler Kaloyan Mahlyanov-Kotooshu, as a modern European state with a significant contribution to the world cultural heritage.
Please accept my sincere wishes for good health and further success in your highly responsible activities for the prosperity of the friendly Japanese people.
Sofia, 5 January 2009
SERGEI STANISHEV
PRIME MINISTER
OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA