Speaker of the Bulgarian National Assembly Raya Nazaryan and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan Fukushiro Nukaga discussed in a press conference at the National Assembly today the intensification of parliamentary relations between Bulgaria and Japan.

The official visit began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in central Sofia.

The year 2024 marks three anniversaries in the relations between the two countries: 115 years since the first official contacts, 85 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations and 65 years since their restoration.

Nazaryan noted that this meeting is emblematic and long-awaited, the first such meeting in the last 24 years, moreover, against the background of a year marking three anniversaries.

"This year we managed to strengthen parliamentary relations at the level of friendship groups, presidents, parliamentary commissions", said the chairman of the National Assembly, adding that this is the third Japanese delegation to Bulgaria in the last six months.

Nukaga emphasized that he is happy to have the opportunity to celebrate this important moment, the triple anniversary in bilateral relations, together with the Speaker of the National Assembly Raya Nazaryan. He also expressed gratitude for the warm reception of the Friendship Group with Bulgaria in the House of Councilors of the Japanese Parliament, which in August paid an official visit to Sofia.

Economic and business cooperation between Bulgaria and Japan dominated the talks between the two heads of parliament.

"The topics we are discussing, in addition to the long-term good relations between the two countries, are the strengthening of economic relations in the business environment, energy, tourism and the increase in the export of Bulgarian goods to Japan," said Nazaryan.

According to him, thanks to the embassies in Sofia and Tokyo, a plan has been drawn up to hold various conferences and forums until the end of the year and for the next year, which will strengthen economic cooperation, bilateral relations, partnership in the field of innovation, technology, artificial intelligence, robotics.

During the talks, the good results in bilateral relations were noted, namely the memorandums signed between the Bulgarian Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) and the Japanese national research agency RIKEN for joint research in the field of innovation, technology. and artificial intelligence.

The Bulgarian side expressed gratitude to the Toyota company which has started a cooperation project with INSAIT.

Nukaga said that Bulgaria is "an important partner for Japan with which we share common values", adding that they would like to expand cooperation with EU and NATO member Bulgaria.

Japanese companies and research centers are increasingly paying attention to Bulgaria's excellent IT specialists as the country strives to become a regional innovation hub, Nukaga said.

He emphasized that in October of this year, a Japanese business delegation from the Japan Foreign Trade Organization will visit Bulgaria.

"I hope that in this way we will cooperate to further develop our economic relations", added Nukaga.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan noted that next year World Expo 2025 will be held in Osaka and this is a great opportunity to show Japan and the world the "charm" of Bulgaria.

During his visit to Bulgaria, Fukushiro Nukaga will hold talks with President Rumen Radev and acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev. /BTA