Bulgaria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in key areas of science, technology, and innovation. This became clear after the Eighteenth Session of the Commission for Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the two countries. The session took place in the capital, confirming the strategic importance of scientific exchange between the two states. The event, organized by the Ministry of Education and Science (MES), opened a new chapter in relations, promising significant progress in a number of scientific fields.
The two delegations, led by high-ranking representatives of the governments of Bulgaria and China, reached a key agreement on joint work on numerous scientific projects. From the Bulgarian side, the delegation was led by the Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Acad. Nikolay Vitanov. From the Chinese side, the negotiations were led by the Deputy Minister of Science and Technology of China, Chen Jia-chang. The two agreed to combine their efforts on 20 scientific projects, covering nine priority areas. The areas of cooperation include quantum technologies, astronomy and space research, polar research, artificial intelligence, materials and nanoscience, biology, theoretical physics, ecology and green energy.
In the spirit of optimism prevailing during the meeting, Acad. Nikolay Vitanov emphasized the key importance of cooperation, highlighting its potential to strengthen innovation capacity, support economic development, and increase the competitiveness of both countries. He stressed the need to strengthen public trust in science as a key factor for the long-term success of research programs. "Building public trust in science, increasing the visibility of scientific achievements, and increasing the prestige of scientists are essential for the long-term success of our national and international research programs," the Deputy Minister emphasized. Emphasizing the importance of young scientists, Acad. Vitanov noted that investing in their development is of key importance for the future of bilateral scientific cooperation.
High-ranking representatives from various institutions participated in the session. From the Bulgarian side, representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and the "Scientific Research" Fund were present. The Chinese delegation included Dai Qingli, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Bulgaria, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the China International Science and Technology Exchange Center, as well as the Research Center for Cooperation in the Field of Innovation between China and Central and Eastern Europe.
The atmosphere in the hall was filled with professionalism and hope for the future of scientific cooperation. Discussions were held at a high level, with the delegations discussing specific projects and future development plans. News reporters sensed the spirit of optimism and determination, with the participants expressing their willingness to work effectively in the name of science.
The next meeting of the joint Bulgarian-Chinese Commission for Scientific and Technological Cooperation is scheduled for 2027. It will be held in China, which will provide an opportunity to further deepen ties and review the progress made.