21-05-2025
Japan, Bulgaria agree to upgrade ties, step up economic cooperation
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev agreed Tuesday to upgrade bilateral relations to a "strategic partnership" and enhance cooperation in economic, IT, and other fields.
At a joint press conference after talks with Radev in Tokyo, Ishiba said Japan will work closely with Bulgaria, which "places emphasis on the rule of law and the international order," apparently with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in mind.
Known for its abundant IT workforce, Bulgaria is home to the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology, set up with investment from U.S. tech giant Google LLC. It has engaged in joint research with Japanese Toyota Motor Corp.
Bulgaria, a member of NATO and the European Union, neighbors Russia and Ukraine across the Black Sea. Radev is on a five-day visit to Japan through Wednesday, having traveled to Tokyo after attending the World Exposition in Osaka.
