Japan-Bulgaria Relations

1. At the outset, Minister Hayashi, mentioning that next year marks the JapanBulgaria "Triple Anniversary (Note)", expressed his desire to further strengthen cooperation in a wide range of fields with Bulgaria - an important partner with whom Japan shares fundamental values.
2. In response, Minister Milkov welcomed the successful development of good bilateral cooperation in different areas including the joint projects in assistance to the Western Balkan region. Accordingly, the two ministers shared the view that they will advance the deepening of bilateral relations through the promotion of economic relations and the revitalization of people-to-people exchanges while taking advantage of the opportunity of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
3. The two ministers exchanged views on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Touching upon Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to Ukraine, Minister Hayashi stated that as the only country which has ever suffered atomic bombings during wartime, Japan absolutely cannot accept Russia’s nuclear threat, let alone its use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances. The two ministers shared the view that it is important for the like-minded countries to continue collarborating together to respond in a coordinated manner against Russia’s aggression, and confirmed that they will work closely together also in the context of Japan-NATO cooperation.
4. The two ministers also confirmed the importance of working closely together on the situation in the East Asia and in dealing with North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue. Minister Hayashi also requested Bulgaria’s cooperation in early lifting of import measures on Japanese food products by the EU.

(Note) Japan-Bulgaria Triple Anniversary: (1) 115th anniversary of the beginning of bilateral contacts, (2) 85th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and (3) 65th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries