To mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China,

H. E. Mrs. Dai Qingli, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Bulgaria, hosted a reception on September 27 in the "Diamond" Hall of the Ramada Hotel Sofia. The event was attended by numerous representatives of Bulgaria's national elite and became a wonderful celebration of the friendship between the two nations.

E. Mrs. Dai Qingli delivered a welcoming speech to her guests, highlighting her country’s achievements under the leadership of Xi Jinping and the excellent development of Sino-Bulgarian relations over the years. As a recently accredited ambassador, she emphasized her admiration for a study showing that Bulgaria has the highest percentage of positive sentiment toward China among EU member states. "I was struck by the Bulgarian people's great interest in Chinese culture and their desire to enhance cooperation with our country," she stated. She also noted that friendship among people serves as an inexhaustible driving force for the development of bilateral relations.

From the Bulgarian side, Vice President Mrs. Iliana Yotova addressed the gathering, affirming that Bulgaria and China continue their cooperation and confidently write the history of their long-standing friendship. According to her, the foundation of the stable Sino-Bulgarian relationship lies in mutual trust, respect, a willingness to understand each other, dialogue, and partnership. Mrs. Iliana Yotova reminded the audience of Bulgaria’s ambition, expressed by President Rumen Radev to President Xi Jinping, to open a branch of a Chinese bank and establish a direct Sofia-Beijing flight. "Our strategic geographical position designates us as a bridge between Europe and Asia. Bulgaria can act as a mediator in deepening relations between Central and Eastern Europe and China," she stated.

The reception continued with an impressive cultural program, showcasing both the shared and unique aspects of the two cultures and traditions.

Guests were then treated to a variety of delicious Chinese dishes. Each attendee also received gifts, including books, promotional brochures, and video albums about the People's Republic of China.

Photos: Courtesy of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China and Diplomatic Spectrum.

Above: H. E. Mrs. Dai Qingli, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Bulgaria.

Below. First row: Guests listen to the speeches by H. E. Mrs. Dai Qingli and Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria Mrs. Iliana Yotova. Second row: Moments from the cultural program; the evening's host, the young diplomat from the embassy, Mrs. Ma Qi, captivated the audience once again by wearing a traditional Bulgarian costume and infusing the event with emotion; Dr. Yuliana Tomova, owner and director of Bulgarian Bestseller publishing house, Mrs. Wang Min, Counselor at the Chinese Embassy, and Mrs. Ekaterina Pavlova, Editor-in-Chief of Diplomatic Spectrum.