President Iliana Yotova and China's vice president Han Zheng met in New York and talked about the future of ties between Bulgaria and China, the president's office says. The two met on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, where Yotova took part.
The meeting again raised the idea of a direct flight between Sofia and Beijing — a route that would make it easier for businesses to work together and bring in more tourists.
Yotova also asked for easier access to the Chinese market for Bulgarian farm produce, pointing out that it is grown without harmful chemicals.
The two also discussed cooperation in education and culture. Han Zheng thanked Yotova for her support. She wants Bulgaria's Thracian treasure to go on show in Beijing in 2029, when Bulgaria and China mark 80 years since they set up diplomatic relations.
China's vice president passed on greetings to Yotova from President Xi Jinping. He also said Bulgaria's president has long stood up for women's rights.