On the afternoon of August 31, 2008, Bulgarian Vice President Angel Marin met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi at the Presidential Palace in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia. On the same day, Yang also held talks with Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ivaylo Kalfin.

Marin and Kalfin congratulated China on its successful hosting of the Beijing Olympics and praised China’s high level of organizing capability. Yang appreciated the Bulgarian side for its enthusiastic support of the Beijing Olympics and thanked for the opportunity given to some Chinese children from the quake-hit areas to spend summer vacation in Bulgaria.

Marin and Kalfin said the Bulgarian government and people cherish the traditional friendship with China and are greatly satisfied with the in-depth development of bilateral cooperation at multiple levels in the areas of politics, economy, culture, education and science and technology. Bulgaria will firmly adhere to the one-China policy and is ready to strengthen cooperation with China in the economic and trade sector to tap trade potential. They added that the Bulgarian side welcomes Chinese businesses to invest in Bulgaria and welcomes more Chinese tourists to travel in the country. Bulgaria will actively participate in the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

Yang said China and Bulgaria are sincere friends and reliable partners with mutual respect and equality. The Chinese government attaches great importance to developing ties with Bulgaria and is ready to push forward bilateral ties in the new situation. Yang urged both sides to maintain political exchanges at multiple levels, keep the momentum of high-level visits and enhance exchanges between the two countries’ parliaments, political parties and government agencies. He also suggested both sides deepen pragmatic cooperation on economy and trade, actively encourage contacts between both countries’ businesses, increase mutual investment and promote trade balance. The two countries should expand humanities exchanges, promote educational and cultural cooperation and well hold the activities to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties next year.

Yang said China has always attached importance to developing ties with the European Union (EU). China is ready to make joint efforts with all EU members including Bulgaria to push for in-depth development of China-EU ties and ensure the success of the Asia-Europe summit to be held in Beijing this year.

On September 1, Bulgarian National Assembly Chairman Georgi Pirinski met in the National Assembly building with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. Pirinski said Bulgaria is ready to further strengthen parliamentary exchanges with China and build up mutual understanding between both peoples.

Yang Jiechi arrived in Sofia on August 31 at the invitation of Kalfin for an official visit to Bulgaria.